Momodou Sabally’s Abuse of Office Trial Adjourned

By Mamadou Dem The ‘Abuse’ of office trial involving Momodou Sabally, erstwhile Secretary General, Head of the Civil Service and Minister for Presidential Affairs, yesterday, 15 June, failed to proceed at the lower court in Banjul on the grounds that the trial magistrate was to attend a meeting at the high court.Principal Magistrate Momodou Jallow therefore ordered for the cases that were not earlier heard to be adjourned. Consequently, the case was adjourned to 23rd of this month for hearing. It could be recalled that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on the 8th of June, 2015 filed a single count charge of abuse of office against the said accused. According to the particulars of the offence, the accused person, on or about 4th July 2014 whilst serving as the SecretaryGgeneral, Head of the Civil Service and Minister of presidential affairs, gave directives to the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs at the time, Kebba S. Touray, to enter into agreement on behalf of the Government of The Gambia with West Port Logistics Ltd. without prior approval and thereby committed an offence. Mr. Sabally, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was subsequently remanded in prison custody after a bail application was already made on his behalf by his attorney, Antouman Gaye. Police Prosecutor, Alpha Badjie was present in court while the accused and his attorney were said to be engaged at the high court.]]>