Prosecution Files for Stay of Proceedings in NIA 9 Case

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By Yankuba Jallow and Nelson Manneh

The prosecuting team in the trial of former intelligence chiefs has on Monday, 4th November 2019 made an application for a stay of proceedings.

Lawyer Antouman A.B. Gaye told the court that they intend to file a stay of prosecution pending the determination of the appeals before the Court of Appeal. The defense counsels including Lawyers C.E. Mene and E.E. Chime for the first accused person objected and the matter was adjourned for ruling on the 18th November 2019.

The court has asked the two parties to file in their briefs of argument on the subject under contention.

In this case, the prosecution has called 33 witnesses and have closed their case. The case is at defense stage.

The accused persons are Yankuba Badjie, an ex-director of the NIA, Sheikh Omar Jeng, an ex-director of operations at the NIA, Baboucar Sallah, Haruna Suso, Tamba Mansareh, Lamin Darboe, and Lamin Lang Sanyang. The 2nd accused person Louise Gomez, an ex-deputy director of the said agency died n Government custody, during the course of the trial. However, Yusupha Jammeh, the 6th accused person was discharged by the Court upon the State’s application.

They are facing 25 counts ranging from conspiracy to commit felony, assault causing serious bodily harm, murder and making false documents, amongst others.