Drug Officer further cross-examined in trial of purported beaten man

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By Kebba Jeffang NCA3 Abdoulie Kebbeh, an officer of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency Sheikh Cham (DLEA) attached to Wellingara Police Station as the DLEA unit station officer was further subjected to cross examination by the defence counsel at proceeding held at the Kanifing Magistrates Court on Monday, July 13, 2015 before Magistrate Kijera.When the matter was called, NCA1 Jawla appeared for the DLEA whilst Lawyer Modou Drammeh represented the accused person. During cross examination, Lawyer Modou Drammeh put it to the witness that when the accused person was being initially approached by the arresting team, he (the witness) was some metres away from the accused person; the witness responded that he was with the team and the approach was with courtesy and politeness. “I put it to you that when the accused person was taken to your office, you and the team tortured him both physically and mentally by putting him in solitary confinement,” said counsel. The witness’ response was in the negative “Who is the Commissioner, Banjulinding station?” asked the defence lawyer. PW1 named Maolud Faal. Lawyer Drammeh further put it to the witness that Commissioner Faal has called the accused person to his office condemning him for publishing the issue in Foroyaa newspaper. The witness however disagreed with this. “Were you present there?” asked counsel. “No,” replied the witness. “I put it to you that because you were not present you could not have known what had transpired between the two,” said counsel. “Yes,” replied the witness. “I also put it to you that your Commissioner, Faal, called to tell the accused person that he has  called his potential witnesses and warned them to testify against his favour,” said lawyer Drammeh. The witness responded that he doesn’t know about that. The defence counsel at this juncture sought for adjournment and requested from the court to be furnished with documents by the prosecution so that he can continue with the cross examination of the first witness. The prosecution did not object to the application and therefore the case was adjourned till Monday 27 July, 2015 at 1:15pm. Sheikh Cham had alleged that at the time of his arrest, he was tortured by his arrestor which was published by this medium. After a while he was charged with ‘obstruction’ which he denies.]]>

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