The trial of four suspects linked to a string of audacious armed robberies targeting the United Bureau, United Vegetable Oil Company, Access Bank, and El-Hella Company hit another snag today, as proceedings were adjourned for the second time due to two defendants lacking legal representation.
The case, which has gripped public attention, was set to unfold before Justice Cham. However, the absence of counsel for the two accused has once again derailed the court’s schedule. The suspects first appeared last week, only for the initial hearing to be postponed when it became clear they had no lawyers. Granted a week to secure representation, two of the four returned today still unrepresented, prompting frustration in the courtroom.
Counsel M.F. Njie, representing the state, faced off against Lawyer E. Sanneh, who stood for the first accused, Ansumana Jarju. The second accused, Abdoulie Jallow, and two others remained without advocates. Njie informed the court that the National Aids for Legal Agency (NALA) had promised to send representatives. When that deadline passed without the NALA’s signature, he requested a recess, which Justice Cham granted.
Upon reconvening, Counsel C. Mjoke appeared for NALA but delivered a setback: the agency had not yet received an official order to take on the case. Justice Cham assured the court that such an order would be issued promptly. Turning to Jallow, the judge pressed him on his efforts to find a lawyer. “I’m still looking,” Jallow replied, pleading for an extra week to allow his family to arrange counsel.
Justice Cham issued a stern directive: if the two unrepresented accused fail to secure private lawyers by the next hearing, NALA will step in to defend them. The case was adjourned to March 26, leaving the packed courtroom awaiting resolution in this saga of alleged crime and courtroom delays.
The repeated postponements underscore ongoing challenges in ensuring swift justice as the accused—tied to robberies that shook local businesses—remain in limbo, and the state prepares to press its case.
