By Yankuba Jallowt
The criminal case involving 24 Kafenda residents was withdrawn based on humanitarian 
grounds.
The 24 supporters of Gambia’s former governing Alliance for Patriotic Re-orientation and Construction (APRC) party were accused of using abusive or vulgar words to Lulu Sanyang and some others with intent to provoke a breach of peace on 19th February at Kanfenda checkpoint in Foni Kansala District.
When the case was called, Inspectors S. Sanyang and Gibba and Sergeant Jaiteh all announced their appearance for the Inspector General of Police whilst Ibrahim Jallow represented all the accused persons.
Police prosecution Inspector S Sanyang said on Wednesday that he was applying under Section 68 of the Criminal Procedure Code for the case to be withdrawn before the court based on humanitarian grounds.
Magistrate Cham granted prosecutor Sanyang’s application and discharged all the accused persons. He also advised the accused persons to maintain the peace, saying, “‘we are all related and peace is always number one.”
This criminal proceeding was well attended by APRC party supporters as well as the relatives and sympathizers of the accused persons. The accused persons are Banna Kujabi, Sunkau Bojang, Aminata Bojang, Amie Saidy, Hawa Manga, Sohna Bojang, Hawa Badjie, Mai Dampha, Yamundow Manga, Nyara Yanga, Rabiatu Bojang, Mai Daffeh, Mai Gibba, Sunkau Wodeh, Wudeh Bojang, Fatoumatta Sidibeh, Sarjor Daffeh, Lamin Manga, Lala Saidy, Sireh Jatta, Sainey Camara, Mai Manneh Sulayman Manga, Madiba Manga and Sira Bojang.
According to the particulars of offence, on or about the February 19, 2017, at Kanfenda Check Point, in the Foni District, West Coast Region, the defendants used abusive or insulting words to Lulu Sanyang and some others when they were going back to their respective destinations from the Independence Celebrations and the inauguration of new President, Adama Barrow.
