By Rohey Jadama Justice Emmanuel Amadi of the Special Criminal Division of High Court said he concurred with the defence that the prosecution is dragging the case of the former Coordinator of the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Project, Sheikh Tijan Sosseh. When the case was called, Olimatou Danso, state counsel, told the court that they intend to proceed with PW7 but he was not in court. She added that she had called the said witness two days ago but he did not show up. She then apologized to the court for wasting its time. In response, Edward Singhatey, counsel for the accused, argued that the prosecution did not give any cogent reason as to why PW7 was not in court. He further argued that the case has suffered so many setbacks and that it has been proceeding for 18 months now during which the prosecution could only call six witnesses. He said the prosecution is still dragging the case. “My lord, we urge the court to close their case and allow us to start with our defence,” submitted Singhatey. In his ruling, the trial judge said in the interest of justice he will allow PW7 to testify but added that if he fails to appear at the next proceeding, he will then close the prosecution’s case. Justice Amadi said even if the accused person is on bail, his case should not be dragged, adding that the prosecution could have even finished their case within 3 months. Subsequently, the case was adjourned to 19th of January for PW7’s testimony. ]]>
