By: Ousman Saidykhan
The high-profile trial of an armed robbery at the United Vegetable Oil Company hit another snag today when the state counsel I. Camara informed the High Court in Banjul that the prosecution has yet to determine how many suspects it will formally charge. The case, presided over by Justice Cham, was adjourned until April 10, pending the accused’s pleas.
Four men—Ansumana Jarju, Abdoulie Jallow, Alfusainey Ousman Jobarteh, and Omar Secka—appeared in the dock. However, the State’s current indictment names only three: Jarju, Jallow, and Jobarteh as the first, second, and third accused, respectively. Secka, despite being charged alongside the others at the magistrate level before the case’s transfer to the High Court, was conspicuously absent from the indictment.
“My lord, we will apply for an adjournment in order for us to advise ourselves as to whether we are charging the three accused persons or the four of them,” Counsel Camara told the court. The request faced no opposition from the defense. Counsel E. Sanneh, representing Jarju, quipped, “I have no objection, my lord, provided the advice my learned colleague is seeking is expedient.” Counsel F. Jammeh, defending Jallow, echoed the sentiment, while Jobarteh will be represented by the National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA).
The trio named in the indictment is accused of conspiring to rob the United Vegetable Oil Company, located near Denton Bridge in Banjul, of 400,000 dalasis. The alleged crime took a darker turn with claims that the accused suffocated the company’s security guard, Sadivi Hauya, by binding his hands and legs and covering his mouth during the heist.
The adjournment stems from the State’s indecision over the indictment, which Counsel Camara admitted remains incomplete. Defense counsel for Jallow, F. Jammeh, argued that his client cannot enter a plea until the State finalizes all evidence it intends to present. Justice Cham urged the prosecution to resolve these issues by the next hearing, warning, “Make sure everything is done by April 10 so that we can take the pleas of the accused persons.”
Beyond the legal delays, concerns about the treatment of the accused in custody surfaced during the proceedings. Counsel Jammeh raised the alarm about Jallow’s restricted movement within the prison, stating, “He is not allowed to move freely like his fellow remand inmates.”
Similarly, Counsel Sanneh reported that Jarju had been held in a confinement cell with shackled hands and legs, though he noted the issue appears resolved. Justice Cham directed the defense counsel to address these concerns with the prison authorities and reminded officers to adhere to regulations.
