By Nelson Manneh
Justice Sonia Akinbiyi of the Banjul High Court Annex on Monday, 17 February 2025adjourned the case of Momodou L. Jarju, commonly known as Rongo, following a dispute over the admissibility of new evidence.
When the case was called, Rongo appeared in court alongside his attorney, Senior Lawyer Borry S. Touray. Also present were Senior Counsel Kebba Sanyang and Momodou Lungs Jarju.
Touray informed the court that his client was prepared to proceed. Rongo took the witness stand and swore on the Holy Quran. However, the proceedings took a turn when Sanyang objected to the introduction of additional documents as exhibits in the case.
“The Supreme Court has already ruled on this matter,” Sanyang argued. “I do not understand why the defendant is introducing fresh documents at this stage.”
The case, which was previously heard at the Supreme Court, saw a 2023 ruling allowing Rongo to submit new evidence in his defense. Touray emphasized that his client had initially represented himself but later obtained legal counsel, as advised by the Supreme Court.
“In June 2021, Rongo filed applications for fresh evidence and any necessary amendments through a Motion on Notice, which was duly served to Counsel Sanyang and the Supreme Court,” Touray told the court. “The Supreme Court’s ruling in July 2023 granted him the right to introduce these documents.”
Touray then presented a copy of the Supreme Court’s ruling in support of his argument, asserting that Sanyang was aware of all filings and procedures related to the case.
In response, Sanyang requested time to review the documents.
Justice Akinbiyi, after considering submissions from both parties, adjourned the case to March 24, 2025, at 10 a.m., awarding costs against Sanyang.
