Taranga FM MD Case Adjourned As he is hospitalised

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By Rohey Jadama

The ongoing ‘Sedition and Publication of False News’ trial involving  Mr. Abdoulie Ceesay, the Managing Director of Taranga FM Alhaji Abdoulie Ceesay, Manager Teranga FMRadio Station, did not proceed yesterday, Monday, 29 February, 2016 before Justice Simeon Ateh Abi of the Banjul High Court as he is reported to be admitted at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital.

When the case was called, Hadi Saleh Bakun, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appeared for the state, while Lawyer Combeh Gaye-Coker announced her representation for the accused person.

Sub-Inspector Kalifa Bojang, a Prison Officer, informed the court that Mr. Ceesay was taken to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital the day before and admitted there.

The trial judge, in his ruling, said since the accused is sick nothing can be done and that the accused has opted to remain silent but if the witness of the defence is not in court at the next adjourned date the court shall proceed for address.

Subsequently, Justice Abi adjourned the case to 15 March at 1pm-2pm for continuation of defence.

It could be recalled that the ailing journalist has been denied bail four times. Principal Magistrate Momodou S.M. Jallow of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court and Justice Balarabe of the High Court rejected the first and second bail applications respectively, while the third and fourth were denied by Justice Abi who is currently handling the case at the Banjul High Court.

In his last bail ruling, Justice Abi said he is not convinced that the ill health of the accused person is a very important factor and change in circumstance as submitted by his  counsel in her bail application and was therefore refusing bail for the applicant.

In a related development, Amadou Ceesay, Teranga FM Managing Director’s brother Monday afternoon told Foroyaa, “ I was with Alagie Ceesay at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital today. He is being treated by the hospital staff as he was escorted there by prison wardens from Mile Two Prison.