By Sainabou Sambou
Nearly four months after electrician Ebrima Njie, widely known as Ebou Njie, was allegedly stabbed to death in Latrikunda German, the man accused of the killing has formally denied the charge in the High Court in Bundung.
Buba Jallow entered a plea of not guilty before Justice I. Janneh after the State filed a bill of indictment charging him with murder. According to the indictment, Jallow is accused of unlawfully stabbing Njie with a knife in Latrikunda German, Kanifing Municipality, thereby causing his death. The charge is brought under Section 155 of the Criminal Offenses Act, 2025.
When the court read and explained the charge to him, Jallow denied the allegation. The court recorded a formal plea of not guilty.
State Counsel Almustapha Tambari then applied for a short adjournment, telling the court that the prosecution needed time to arrange for its witnesses to testify. He assured Justice Janneh that the State was ready to proceed expeditiously. The defense, represented by Counsel F. Jammeh and Counsel M. Bah, did not oppose the application.
Justice Janneh granted the request and fixed four hearing dates for the prosecution to present its case: November 12 at 2:15 pm, November 24 at 1:00 pm, November 26 at 2:00 pm, and December 2 at 2:00 pm.
The proceedings follow an earlier adjournment during which the prosecution sought additional time to complete administrative and judicial formalities. At the previous hearing, State Counsel Tambari apologized for the late filing of the indictment, attributing the delay to additional paperwork and internal processes. He also informed the court that certain documents needed to be forwarded to the Office of the Chief Justice.
The case was first brought before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, which ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to try a capital offense. The matter was subsequently transferred to the High Court in Bundung.
During an earlier appearance, Jallow told the court that he had been unable to secure legal representation because he had been held in isolation at the prison. The High Court ordered the State to provide him with legal aid.
With the plea now formally entered, the prosecution is expected to begin calling its witnesses at the scheduled hearings. The case marks the next stage in the prosecution of the alleged fatal stabbing that occurred in Latrikunda German nearly four months ago.
