Justice Emmanuel Amadi asked the prison authorities to immediately collaborate with the hospital in that direction, to enable the court establish, whether Makang Sissoho is fit to face the charge of murder.
“The accused is showing signs of ill-health. He was smiling as he enters the dock before leaning on it. For the interest of justice, I think he needs a sound mind for his lawyer to be able to conduct his defense,” he said before directing the prison authorities to take the accused to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH). He said EFSTH will then refer the accused to the Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital for medical examination.
This order came following his lawyer’s application for Mr Sissoho to be taken to a hospital for medical examination. Ms Mboji said she was informed by a prison officer that her client was not well. The prosecutor, Alimatou Danso did not oppose the application.
A prison officer, Babucarr Jarju who escorted Mr Sissoho to the court confirmed that the accused had been acting strange since he was taken into custody last year. The prison officers are expected to produce the report of the accused when the case resumes on June 1. Makang Sissoho, 28, is on trial at the high court on a single count of murder. He is accused of stabbing Mr Tangara, also a Malian to death with a knife in the stomach with the knowledge that death would be the probable consequence of his act on May 31. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
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