By Mamadou Dem
The absence of Muntaga Sallah, the former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum, in his ongoing criminal trial on Wednesday, 22 June, 2016 hindered the case from proceeding at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court before Principal Magistrate Omar Cham on the grounds that he was held at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for investigations.
The case was set for the continuation of cross examination of PW5 Momodou O.S. Badjie by the defense counsel.
Loubna Farage, counsel for the former Petroleum Permanent Secretary, told the court that although his client was on court bail, his failure to attend the proceeding was due to his presence been requested by the NIA on Sunday to assist them with an investigation. “Regrettably, I am unable to have access to him. I will endeavor and formally request that he be formally permitted to attend for the continuation of this matter. We are grateful to that effect and on that note, we are applying for an adjournment,” said Lawyer Farage.
Police Prosecutor Sub Inspector Alpha Badjie did not oppose the application for an adjournment.
The court then ruled that due to the Koriteh break, the matter shall be adjourned beyond the fortnight provision of the law. Consequently, the matter was adjourned to 12 July, 2016 for continuation.
