intervening now to save mass slaughter of citizens by a mentally compromised President Yahya of Gambia rather than pretend to care after the fact. Haruna. Courtesy: Freedomnewspaper.

Breaking News: Gambia: As Samateh Jumps Bail—DPP Chenge IN Deep Trouble
As Samateh Jumps Bail—DPP

Chenge IN Deep Trouble

IGP Badjie’s Case Stalled By DPP Chenge’s Suspension

By Bakary Gibba & Pa Nderry M’Bai

The disappearances of star witness Sillaba Samateh, is creating a big confusion in the country. The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Richard Chenge is reported to be helping the NIA with their investigations about the exact whereabouts of Mr. Samateh, who recently arrived in the Netherlands, accompanied by his wife, and two kids.

DPP Chenge has since stopped showing up in court. The state star witness Mr. Samateh jumped bail—amidst reports that he was wanted by the feared National Intelligence Agency. This followed a Presidential directive for Samateh’s bail to be revoked. President Jammeh was displeased by recent court revelations linking him to the importation of ten tons of cocaine into The Gambia for “marketing” purposes, sources said.

Drama unfolded in the high court Wednesday, following the conspicuous absence of the presiding judge Justice Emmanuel Amadi, and DPP Chenge. No word was given for their absence. The judge privately informed counsels representing the former police chief Essa Badjie, and others that the matter had been adjourned to June 30^th.

The defense Lawyers were left flabbergasted. They could not come to terms as to what is preventing the DPP from showing up in court. But reports reaching this paper say the DPP had been temporally suspended—pending the controversy surrounding the disappearances of Sillaba Samateh. Reports say the President Yahya Jammeh is blaming the DPP, and the NIA for Samateh’s escape.

The DPP was seen at the NIA yesterday. He was being interviewed over Samateh’s escape, among other state security related issues. Sources say some heads might roll in days to come. The raging Gambian leader was reported to have ordered for the arrest of all those who facilitated the bailing of Sillaba Samateh.

Speaking to reporters, Lawyer Lamin Kadi Mboge said they are yet to receive any substantive information about the circumstances surrounding DPP Chenge’s absence. He said the case cannot proceed without the presence of the DPP, who is expected to bring witness in court.

Meanwhile, the defense wants the court to expunge the evidence adduced so far by Sillaba Samateh. It says since the witness could not be traced the court should consider expunging Samateh’s testimony.

Mr. Samateh’s sister Jankeh Samateh is being held by the NIA. She served as a surety for Mr. Samateh, after posting a bond of D200,000 dalasi. The house that was used to finance the bond belongs to Jankeh’s brother Ihibrama Samateh, a Gambian resident in Maryland.

Former IGP Essa Badjie, Lt Colonel Mama Matarr Secka and Major Kuluteh Manneh, are currently facing fifty one charges which Include: conspiracy to commit felony, sedition, official corruption, economic crimes among others. The men have been accused of smearing the image of the President, following claims that the President Yahya Jammeh is engaged in the importation of cocaine into the country.

Meanwhile, the criminal case involving the former Director of the National Drug Enforcement Agency Bun Sanneh and others have been adjourned, following the DPP, and judge’s absence in court.