By Kebba Jeffang and Rohey Jadama
The criminal trial of Mr. Momodou Sabally, the former Secretary General, 
Head of Civil Service and the Minister for Presidential Affairs, which was before Justice Mikhailu Abdullahi has now been transferred to Justice E.F. Mbai for re-mentioning as the contract of the former is reported to have expired.
This new development was confirmed yesterday, Wednesday, 29 October, when this reporter went to cover the case which was adjourned to proceed on that day and saw on the electronic notice board at the high court in Banjul that the case of Mr. Sabally will commence at 2pm before Justice E.F Mbai for mentioning.
Earlier on Monday, 27th October, 2014, a reliable source disclosed that the contract of Justice Abdullahi has expired and as such he could not proceed with the case until it is renewed.
However, the case which is now before Justice Mbai could not proceed yesterday as the new trial judge was not in court and that the matter was adjourned indefinitely.
It could be recalled that on 22nd October 2014, the accused person who was initially arraigned before Justice Abdullahi with three charges, received an additional five new charges and after which the case was adjourned to 27th October 2014 for bail application.
The former Secretary General, Head of Civil Service and the Minister for Presidential Affairs, who was redeployed to briefly serve as the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology immediately before his arrest and subsequent detention at the NIA, is now facing eight counts with two on ‘Economic Crimes, three on ‘Abuse of Office,’ two on ‘Neglect of Official duty’ and one on ‘Giving False information to a Public Officer.’
Mr. Sabally, however denied any wrongdoing.
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