By Mamadou Dem
State counsel Sheriff Kumba Jobe yesterday, 5 May 2016, disclosed to the lower court in Banjul presided over by Principal 
Magistrate Omar Cham that they would be filing fresh charges at the high court against Ansumana Jammeh, former Gambian ambassador to Qatar, Sanna Bah and Assan Badjie.
Prior to his application for an adjournment to enable them file the fresh indictment before the said court, the State counsel informed the court that they are now inheriting the case from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) pursuant to section 85 subs 1 (b) of the 1997 Constitution.
“In the same regard, we intend to file a fresh charge at the high court within a reasonable period of time. We are applying for an adjournment to enable us accomplish that ambition,” said counsel Jobe.
The state counsel therefore craved the indulgence of the court and that of the defence to understand and grant their application.
The team of defence lawyers headed by Lamin S. Camara, together with Uzuma Achigbue and Abdoulie Fatty, did not oppose the application for an adjournment.
However, Lawyer Camara told the court that this case was adjourned for definite hearing and that the current charges were filed since the 20th April (last month). He added that they would need a time line from the state rather than just holding this matter indefinite.
In response, counsel Jobe told the court that he cannot make any undertaken but gave assurance that he will endeavor to do whatever is humanely possible to respect the constitutional rights of the accused persons and file within a reasonable time.
Consequently, the matter was adjourned to 12 May for hearing.
It could be recalled that the trio is charged with conspiracy to commit felony and official corruption contrary to the laws of The Gambia.
According to the particulars of offence on count one, the aforesaid persons, between the months of June 2010 to February 2011 in Banjul and diverse places in the Republic of The Gambia, have conspired among themselves and corruptly solicited and received the sum of one million five hundred and fifty thousand sixty five dollars (USD 1,550,065.00) equivalent to forty-five million five hundred and fifteen thousand, nine hundred and seven dalasi (GMD 45,515,907.00) through CONAPRO company in the discharge of their duties, thereby committed an offence.
It is also alleged on count two that Mr. Jammeh during the said period and places and by virtue of his employment as the Gambia’s ambassador to Qatar as well as being the chief executive officer (CEO) of MALIGAM, has solicited and received one million five hundred and fifty thousand and sixty five dollars (USD 1,550,065.00) equivalent to forty-five million five hundred and fifteen thousand, nine hundred and seven dalasis (GMD 45, 515,907.00) through CONAPRO company in the discharged of his duties and thereby committed an offence.
However, all the three accused persons have denied any wrong doing.
