Lamin Mboge made the comment while cross-examining Seedy Gibba, 36, who is the second prosecution witness in the trial of Caliph Muhideen Hydara and Buyeh Touray, the alkalo of Darsilami Sagnajor. In his cross-examination, the defense counsel put to the witness that religion belongs to God and that the police cannot arrest someone for not praying his five daily prayers.
“Have you ever heard of anybody in the whole world being arrested for not performing five daily prayers? The lawyer quizzed to which the witness replied, “No.”
Meanwhile, Seedy Saidykhan, an officer from Bwiam Police Station also testified before Principal Magistrate Omar Cham.
“ON 29 July 2014, I reported to Kanfenda Police Station where I received a report from the command that I should go to Sagnajor Sheriff Kunda to the imam and alkalo in connection with the Koriteh. Upon my arrival I asked for the imam but I was told he was sick. I proceeded to the alkalo and met him in his compound. I told him that I was sent by the police command and I asked him whether they prayed on Tuesday, 29 July. He said they did and then I asked him who led the prayer and he said it was Sheikh Muhideen Hydara. From there, I escorted the alkalo to Sheikh Muhideen Hydara’s house and upon our arrival I introduced myself to him. He confirmed they prayed on Tuesday and that he led the prayers. From there I escorted the Alkalo Buyeh Touray to the station. Then we called Caliph Hydara to report to the station. At the station I gave my statement,” he said.
At that juncture, the magistrate adjourned the matter to November 19 for continuation of cross-examination.
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