By Mariama Marong
In the ongoing economic crime that involved three health officials on Tuesday 24th June 2025, Defence Counsel Kadijatou Jallow called on Justice Jaiteh not to call on them to enter their defences because prosecution has failed to proof their case.
Counsel Jallow made remark during her submission on no case to answer to the court. The accused persons’ lawyer during her submission submitted that none of prosecution witness who have testified implicated the accused of economic crimes. “None of the prosecution witness have indicated having dealings with the three accused persons.” She submitted that counts that accused persons are charged with is wrong and all the testimonies before the court has proven that they have not engage in the crime they are being accused of. “From the 1st to 12th prosecution witness have not mentioned anything activity that engage accused persons.” Mrs Jallow submitted that Omar Manneh Ceesay (2nd accused person) is not a public officer and qualification for Economic Crime on public servants does not deem fit on him. Lawyer K. Jallow informed the court that all the documents and testimonies before the court has no single indication that the accused persons were involved the economic crimes. She further mentioned that PW5 and PW6 have clearly stated in court that they do not know the accused persons and they never had an involvement with them. She narrated that accused persons are charged with theft which according her have not been proven by the State. “The accused persons are charged with theft and none of the witnesses testified that they were dealing with them.” She called on to court to acquit and discharge the accused persons hence the prosecution cannot proof their claims.” The matter is adjourned for respond on submission by State Senior Counsel DPP A.M. Yusuf. The accused persons are Bala Kandeh, Muhammadou Lamin Jaiteh and Omar Malleh Jassey. Counsel for the state is A.M. Yusuf while K. Jallow. On the amended information the accused persons are facing charges of 1) official corruption, 2) Disobedience of Statutory Duty, 3) Conspiracy to Commit Felony, 4) Economic Crime, 5) Economic Crime, 6) Forgery, 7) Forgery, 8) Forgery, 9) Forgery, 10) Forgery, 11) Forgery, 12) Forgery, 13) Forgery, 14) Theft, 15) Theft, 16) Theft, 17) Theft, and 18) Theft. Justice Jaiteh adjourned case to 9th July 2025 at 10am for reply of State Counsel on Defence No Case Submission.
