The one-time tycoon is being tried on a solitary charge of theft. He is accused of stealing about 1.5 million dalasis from Kanilai Family Farm while serving there as manager.
Mr Conteh, a trained banker, however pleaded not guilty.
His lawyer, Lamin Mboge, had filed a no-case application, arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove necessary elements to warrant continuation of the trial, despite the testimonies of many state witnesses, including former secretary general and head of civil service, Dr Njogu Bah, and a tycoon, Amadou Samba.
However, the prosecuting police officer, sub-Inspector Alpha Badjie filed a counter argument, insisting that enough evidence was provided to the court to continue the trial.
And yesterday’s proceedings witnessed the court’s adoption of written briefs of argument of both the defence and the prosecution, leaving the ball in the court of presiding magistrate, Dawda Jallow, to decide whose side the law will favour.
If the court decides that Lang Conteh has a case to answer come April 16, he will have to tell his own side of the story, against the many stories told by the prosecution witnesses.
]]>
