There was no judge to preside over his case when the matter resumed for bail hearing yesterday. According to a judicial source, Abdulahi Mikailu who presided over Sabally’s case on the last three hearings, will no longer be in charge. The Standard newspaper was informed that his contract has expired and it is yet to be renewed.
Sabally who is currently remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison was not brought to court. However, his lawyer, Antouman Gaye, was seen at the premises. There was no crowd as the novelty of the trial wears off with only a few family members and well-wishers seen milling around.
Sabally’s lawyer was supposed to push for his bail application after the chief prosecutor said on the last date that they were opposing bail application.
Sabally 40, is standing trial on two counts of economic crimes, three counts of abuse of office, two counts of neglect of official duty and one count of giving false information.
He is accused of giving false information to President Jammeh that one Alasan Ndoye had given him two vehicles with intent to annoy and cause financial loss to Mr Ndoye, information he knew was false.
On the economic crime charges, Sabally is accused of causing economic loss to Social Security Housing Financial Corparation in the amount of D402,500 by unduly influencing SSHFC to fund a programme without recourse to due process.
He is further accused of causing economic loss to the government in the amount of D38,424 being money received as per diem allowance for the trip to South Africa to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Jacob Zuma, which he neglected to do.
According to the indictment, Sabally also ‘willfully’ and ‘negligently’ delayed the departure of the vice president’s flight from South Africa for 45 minutes while part of the delegation.
]]>
