By Rohey Jadama
Assistant Superintendent of Police Abdoulie Bah, a prison officer continued his testimony in the trial of Ebrima B Njie and Edrissa Manga, both prison wardens, who are accused of allegedly aiding journalist Abdoulie Ceesay to escape from lawful custody and negligence of official duty.
When the case was called Lawyer Lamin Jarjue appeared for the state, whilst Lawyer Patrick Gomez announced his representation for the accused persons.
Continuing his testimony ASP Bah told the court that they handed the milk tin to the medical personnel and from there they went back to Mile Two central prisons and told their boss that they only found the tin milk in the room. He added that from there he went back to duty.
Responding to questions during cross-examination by Lawyer Gomez, ASP Bah told the court that he has been working for the prisons for 28 years now.
He further told the court that during these 28 years sometimes prisoners escape from custody.
He added that on this particular day he was told a prisoner escaped and that he went to the hospital where the prisoner was hospitalised.
“Is it correct that before the incident you have no idea who was actually guarding the prisoner?” asked defence Counsel Gomez. The witness responded in the positive.
“How do you come to know who was guarding the prisoner?” “We have a duty roster”, replied the witness.
“On the morning of the alleged escape where were you?” “ I was executing my duties, supervising the officers of the remand wing.
“Do the accused persons work under you?” “No”
“Since they were not working under you is not mandatory that you most know their job description” “I should Know”.
“My question is not whether you should know, my question is, is it not mandatory for you to know their job description?” “I think I should know insisted the witness.
At this juncture, the case was adjourned till Tuesday 16 August, 2106 at 2:30pm for continuation of cross-examination of PW1.
