By Bruce Asemota
Yankuba Touray, a former member of the AFPRC Junta standing trial for the murder of Ousman Koro Ceesay, has told the High Court that he never had any encounter with Alagie Kanyi.
He said he only came to know him when he (Alagie Kanyi) testified in a sister case where he was charged with interference with a witness.
Yankuba Touray made this revelation yesterday whilst giving evidence in his defence.
He also denied ever discussing the killing of his cabinet colleague, Ousman Koro Ceesay with Kanyi, adding that Kanyi has never been to his house either at Kerr Serign or Cape Point.
Yankuba also denied ever inviting Edward Singhatey, Peter Singhatey or Alagie Kanyi to his residence to discuss the killing of Ousman Koro Ceesay.
He said he never had any encounter with the late Pa Habib Mbye too, an ex-police officer prior to his testimony in this case.
Pa Habib Mbye had said in his evidence that Yankuba Touray invited him to his office after the death of Ousman Koro Ceesay but Touray said that is slanderous, maintaining that he only got to know the two people when they gave evidence.
Yankuba Touray further denied prosecution’s claims that both Lamin Ndure, his driver and Ensa Mendy, his orderly accompanied him to State House on the fateful Friday evening when Yahya Jammeh was leaving the country for Ethiopia.
He also said he never blocked Ousman Koro Ceesay’s vehicle at the airport.
Yankuba said he came to be aware of Ousman Koro Ceesay’s death when he was informed by Mr Tamsir Mbye, the then secretary to cabinet.
He revealed that he had been with Ensa Mendy, his orderly to the State House but it is usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays when they have cabinet and council meetings.
He said his driver, Lamin Ndure did not accompany him to council or cabinet meetings, noting that Lamin Ndure would usually pick his kids from school and take them to his residence.
Hearing continues on Thursday, 25th February
