Babylon Alkalo’s case fails to proceed, As defense’s application was not filed

By Alhagie Sora
The trial of Lamin Jarju, the “Alkalo” of the settlement of Babylon in Kombo North, who is facing a single count charge of disobedience to lawful order, failed to proceed yesterday, 28 September, 2015 at the Brikama Magistrate’s Court as the defense’s application was not filed.
Holding brief for Mr. Borry Touray, the counsel representing the accused person, Mr. Edward Singhateh informed the Magistrate, Hilary Mbeki, that they have filed a plea of not guilty with the court through the Court Registrar since on the 7 September 2015.Magistrate Mbeki, however, said the application was not received and enquired from the Court Registrar why it was not submitted. The Registrar, in response, told the Court that he was not at work on the day the defence submitted the application as he was ill.
The presiding magistrate said the case cannot proceed as the Court should have received the application prior to the adjourned date for the sitting of 28 September 2015 and therefore adjourned the matter to 5th October 2015.
According to the particulars of offence, it is alleged that Lamin Jarjue, sometime in August 2015 at Makumbaya village disobeyed the lawful orders of the district chief of Kombo North and thereby committed an offence.