By Rohey Jadama
The Habeas Carpus Case filed by Attorneys for the production of Ebrima Solo Sandeng was yesterday adjourned to
27 June, 2016 for adoption of briefs.
Ebrima Solo Sandeng, the National Organizing Secretary of the United Democratic Party was arrested on 14 April at the Westfield Junction while engaged in a protest. Since his arrest he has never been seen or heard from.
When the case called the case before Justice Eunice Dada of the Banjul High court, state counsel Bingagi applied for a short adjournment to enable him file his affidavit in opposition. He further told the court that this is due to the fact that the three agencies being sued in the case are in different institutions and that they are finding it difficult to get the officers in charge to respond to the affidavit in support filed by the applicant.
State Counsel Bingagi further told the court that they will be filing their affidavit in opposition by Thursday and that in the interest of justice they are applying for an adjournment so that the facts can be brought to court.
However, counsel for the applicant Sheriff Marie Tambedou objected to the application, arguing that the service was effected on the respondent (State) more than eight days ago. He further argued that this matter was adjourned on Tuesday for Wednesday.
Replying to the objection of Lawyer Tambedou , counsel Bingagi told the court that they were served on Monday at 5:30pm together with an additional affidavit and that they are not sure whether the police, the NIA, the prison and the Attorney General were served with it and based on that they are applying for a short adjournment.
In her ruling, the presiding Judge said it is her considered view that the case be adjourned to enable the state to file the affidavit and the objection of the defence counsel was overruled.
Parties where ordered to file written briefs and the case was thus adjourned till 27 June, 2016 at 12 noon for adoption of briefs.
