By Ousman Saidykhan
Three men charged with robbing the United Vegetable Oil Company near Denton Bridge in Banjul pleaded not guilty today before Justice O. Cham at the High Court. Abdoulie Jallow, Alfusainey O. Jobarteh, and Ansumana Jarju, the first, second, and third accused, respectively, are alleged to have stolen D400,000 in a violent heist last December.
The trio faces a three-count indictment, including conspiracy and robbery with violence, a non-bailable offense carrying a life sentence. Prosecutors claim the accused suffocated security guard Sadivi Hauya by tying his hands and legs and covering his mouth during the crime.
In a packed courtroom, Jallow and Jobarteh, represented by Counsel J. Darboe and Counsel Jallow from the National Agency for Legal Aid, entered their not-guilty pleas.
However, Ansumana Jarju’s lawyer, Counsel E. Sanneh, was absent. Jarju told the court his counsel was likely unaware of the hearing and requested a delay. State counsel M.B. Mballow countered that lawyers must track their criminal cases diligently, and the court clerk confirmed that they notified Sanneh. Justice Cham allowed the pleas to proceed.
After the pleas, Mballow requested an adjournment to prepare the prosecution’s first witness. The case was adjourned to May 5 at noon.
