By Sainabou Sambou
Alagie Kebbe, the accused in a high-profile economic crime case involving an alleged D64.08 million rice supply scandal, told the High Court in Banjul on Tuesday that he caused no loss to the state and acted in good faith throughout the transaction.
Kebbe, who is facing multiple charges including economic crimes, theft, obtaining goods by false pretenses, and cheating, took the witness stand to give defense evidence before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh. Director of Public Prosecutions A.M. Yusuf leads the prosecution, while defense counsel K. Jallow represents the accused.
In a detailed testimony, Kebbe explained that the case stems from a contract between Win-Win Company Limited, where he served as a director, and a supplier for the procurement of 8,000 metric tons of rice valued at over €3 million. He said that instructions were issued for payment to be made through Mega Bank to the supplier’s account, pursuant to the agreement.
Kebbe referred the court to several documentary exhibits, including Exhibit P6A, a correspondence addressed to Win-Win Company Limited, and Exhibit EC3, which related to the remaining balance of rice yet to be supplied. He testified that after receiving communication from the World Food Program (WFP) about delays, the company reviewed the situation and assured delivery within an extended timeframe of 25 to 45 days.
“Exhibit P6B was our formal response to the World Food Programme,” Kebbe stated, adding that the reply was based on the existing supply arrangement and assurances received from the supplier. He also identified Exhibit D10 as a contract summary and Exhibit D12 as the Sales and Purchase Agreement, which initially provided for a three-month execution period.
Despite these arrangements, delivery delays persisted. Kebbe told the court that Win-Win Company Limited eventually instructed its lawyers to issue a formal demand letter to the supplier, identified as Petrochemical Storage Company Limited. Exhibit D40, he said, reflected a notice of cancellation and demand for refund due to the supplier’s failure to deliver the contracted rice.
“Although payments had been made in advance, the supplier never delivered the rice. The contract was eventually cancelled and refunds were made to the company,” Kebbe maintained. He insisted that all communications with the WFP were made in good faith, relying on information and assurances available at the time.
Under cross-examination by DPP A.M. Yusuf, Kebbe confirmed that Win-Win Company Limited was registered in 2017 and that he served as a director. He said responsibility for filing annual returns and audited accounts lay with the company’s finance department, and he could not recall specific details when pressed.
Kebbe denied any personal involvement with Competence Company Limited and rejected allegations that he personally received or diverted funds. “I did not, in my personal capacity, cause any loss to the State. I did not steal rice, and I did not obtain money or goods by false pretences,” he told the court.
He further explained that the company utilised a bank credit facility arranged through its bankers for importation purposes, with funds released for specific transactions. Kebbe stated that he was arrested and charged following the delays and contractual disputes, despite the company acting in good faith.
The state alleges that between 2020 and 2021 in Banjul and other parts of The Gambia, Kebbe committed economic crimes by refusing to supply 41,404 bags of 50kg rice, part of an outstanding balance of 58,500 bags allegedly paid for through 39 vendors financed by government funds.
In Count Two, Kebbe is charged with theft of 41,404 bags of 50kg rice belonging to the Government of The Gambia. Count Three accuses him of obtaining D64,080,000 from the 39 vendors under the false claim that 58,500 bags of rice had been purchased and stored for government supply. He also faces a charge of cheating, with the prosecution alleging that he fraudulently induced the government to pay the same amount based on false representations about the availability and storage of the rice.
Kebbe’s testimony marks a key stage in the defense’s effort to rebut the state’s claims of personal wrongdoing,
Justice Ebrima Jaiteh adjourned the matter to July 12 at 12 pm for continuation of the trial.
