By Rohey Jadama
The economic crime case of former Gambian Ambassador to France and minister, Mr Ousman Badjie is now set for adoption of 
briefs.
The case was heard yesterday by Justice E.O. Dada of the Banjul High Court.
When the case was called, state counsel A.M Yusuf told the court that the matter is slated for adoption of briefs. He had presumed that it is the defence who should first file their brief, but defence counsel Lawyer Lamin S Camara disagreed, pointing out that they did not call a witness. The court indicated that it is the prosecution who should first file their brief.
The trial judge then ordered both parties to file their briefs and they were each given 7 days to file their addresses. The case is adjourned to 20th July, 2016 for adoption of briefs.
According to the particulars of offence on Count One, Ousman Badjie between 14 and 30 June 2014 in Banjul and diverse places, whilst being The Gambia’s Head of Mission in France, intentionally failed to pursue the case of a stolen Twenty Seven Thousand Euros equivalent to D1,134,000, involving one Faisal Bojang, with the French Government, an omission which was shown to be detrimental to the economy of The Gambia.
Count Two alleges that whilst serving as the Head of Mission in
France, the accused willfully neglected to perform his duty for the French Government to pursue Faisal Bojang, to recover the amount of €27,000 embezzled (equivalent to D1, 134,000).
On Count Three, it is alleged that in the same month and year, Mr. Badjie, whilst being The Gambia’s Head of Mission in France, willfully neglected to perform his duty to pursue the police declaration that the signature of the Deputy Head of Mission was forged.
However Mr. Badjie has denied any wrong doing.
