By Nelson Manneh
Justice Francis Achibonga of the Banjul High court has on Monday, 23 October 2023 ordered for the Attorney General to be added as the 11th defendant in the 30 Million Dalasi civil suit instituted by Momodou Lamin Jarju alias Rongo against the Alkalo of Banjulding and several others.
Rongo was represented by Senior Lawyer Borry S. Touray while Senior Lawyer Kebba Sanyang appeared for the Alkalo of Banjulding and 7 others. Rongo was in court while the defendants were all absent.
Borry S. Touray reminded the court that the case was at the stage of document identification. He informed the court that 70 documents have been identified; adding that he still has 30 more to identify and submit.
Justice Achibonga said since the Inspector General of Police and Director General of Drug Law Enforcement Agency – The Gambia (DLEAG) are part of the case they needed to be represented in court. Both parties agreed for the Attorney General to be added and represent the State.
At this juncture the matter was adjourned to 13 November 2023 for continuation.
Rongo, in 2018, sued Momodou Lungs Jarju – the Alkalo of Banjulinding, Imam Yahya Bah of Banjulinding, Malang Njie, Modou Badjie, Landing Korteh, Lain Nafulou Jarju, Jarbel Ceesay, Foday Barry (a former senior officer of DLEAG), Inspector General of Police and Director General of Drug Law Enforcement Agency – The Gambia (DLEAG).
The Plaintiff, Rongo is claiming 10 million dalasi (D10,000,000) for his unlawful arrest and detention by the defendants and their agents. The resident of Banjulinding is also claiming another 10 Million Dalasi for his malicious prosecution for various offences when the defendants and their agents knew or ought to have known that he should not have been charged. On the third and final claim, Rongo is claiming 10 Million Dalasi as damages for loss of earnings occasioned by his unlawful arrest, detention and malicious prosecution. Additionally, he is demanding two hundred thousand dalasis for cost of action.
