By Sainabou Sambou
Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court on Thursday ordered the appearance of a key prosecution witness in the murder trial of Mariama Jallow after he failed to turn up for his scheduled testimony.
According to the State, Prosecution Witness 5 (PW5), identified as Saikou Tabally of Brufut, is an alleged eyewitness to the incident. However, he did not appear in court as expected. Prosecutors therefore applied for an order under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025 to compel his attendance. The defence did not object to the request.
In his ruling, Justice Jaiteh said the law empowers the court to mandate the attendance of any individual capable of providing essential evidence. He agreed that PW5’s testimony is crucial to ensuring a fair and complete trial.
Justice Jaiteh ordered that PW5 must appear before the High Court and remain available until he is formally discharged. He further directed that a witness summons be issued immediately, together with a copy of PW5’s witness statement recorded by Corporal A. Saidy of the Brufut Anti-Crime Unit.
He instructed that the order be served on the Inspector General of Police, who will then forward it to the Brufut Anti-Crime Unit to secure the witness’s presence.
“The prosecution must file proof of service before the next hearing,” Justice Jaiteh added.
The accused, Mariama Jallow, was present in court alongside her lawyer, Counsel F. C. Anyanwu. State Counsel M. Sarr represented the prosecution.
The matter has been adjourned to 10 December 2025 at 12:30 p.m. for the appearance and testimony of PW5.
