By: Kemeseng (Kexx) Sanneh
The Chief Justice of the Gambia Hassan B. Jallow, has turned down the request made by lawyers representing Bubacar Keita alias Bob Keita, to proceed with the case during the vacation.
Defense Counsel Lamin S. Camara in Bob Keita’s case wrote a letter to the Chief Justice, requesting for the case to proceed during the vacation, for the defense team of lawyers to open their defence and in this regard, asked for the case to continue before sitting vacation judges.
This year, the vacation judges are Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh, Sheriff B. Tabally and Isatou Janneh-Njie.
Despite having these vacation judges, the Chief Justice decides that the case cannot proceed before the vacation judges.
The Master of the High Court Lamin George, responded on behalf of the Chief Justice on the 4th of August 2022, and acknowledged receipt of the letter from the defense team of lawyers dated 28th July 2022.
The Chief Justice said he did not consider it proper to transfer the case from the Judge currently hearing the matter.
The head of the Judiciary said the Defence Lawyers may consider applying to the Bundung High Court for the case to be heard during the vacation.
Chief Justice Jallow said he will not hesitate to issue a fiat for the case to continue, provided the Judge at Bundung considers it expedient to do so.
This decision of the Chief Justice means that Bubucarr Keita will not appear in Court till October 5th 2022, as adjourned by Justice M.S. Jallow.
