Momodou Sowe Released on Bail After 2 years in Detention without Trial

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By Mamadou Dem Mr. Momodou Sowe, a former protocol officer at State House, who hasMomodou Sowe been detained at the State Central Prison Mile II for more than two years without trial, yesterday, Wednesday, 21 January 2015 re-united with his family as he was granted bail at the Police Headquarters in Banjul.Mrs. Aminata Sowe and the father accompanied by other relatives were in Banjul to welcome their loved one. Prior to his release, Mr. Sowe’s attorney, Sagarr Jahateh, filed a suit to secure his release on behalf of his wife at the High Court of the Gambia. Mr. Sowe was finally released on bail upon provision of a Gambian surety who deposited a title deed with the Prosecution Unit of the Gambia Police Force. However, it is not clear to this paper as to whether he has been charged with any criminal offence. The substantive matter has never been dealt with. On the 16th of July last year when the case was called for the very first time, she objected to the DPP’s appearance in the case as he can only appear in criminal cases while what was before the court was a miscellaneous application which was civil in nature dealing with fundamental rights. However, Justice Simeon Abi of the High Court in Banjul ruled in December last year that the DPP indeed can appear in this case.]]>