Former WAAPP Coordinator’s case suffers setback

By Lamin Sanyang The criminal trial involving the state versus Sheikh Tijan Sosseh, the former coordinator of the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Project (WAAPP) has yesterday, Thursday 16 October, suffered setback at the Special Criminal Court of the Banjul High Court. The case could not proceed because of the absence of the trial judge who was said to be sitting at the Court of Appeal. The state prosecutor, Abubakr Mohammed, together with the defense lawyer Edward Singhatey selected a date after consulting the clerk. Subsequently, the case was adjourned till Wednesday, 22^nd October 2014. It would be recalled that the accused person was charged with criminal offences; ranging from omitting or failure to fully apply the Euro 5.3Million agricultural grant from the World Bank, an omission which is detrimental to the Gambian economy and the welfare of the people of The Gambia, contrary to Section 5(f) of the Economic Crimes (specified offences) Act cap 13:07, Volume 3 Laws of The Gambia. On count two,  the accused is charged with neglect of official duties contrary to Section 113 of the Criminal Code, Cap 10;01 Volume 3, Laws of The Gambia. On count three, the accused is charged with intentionally or recklessly causing loss to a public body, contrary to Section 5 (b) of the Economic Crime (specified offence) Act cap 13;07, volume 3, Laws of The Gambia.        ]]>