By Mafugi Ceesay
State prosecutors yesterday withdrew both the cautionary and voluntary statements of Sheikh Omar Jeng, Baboucar Sallah, Tamba Mansally and Lamin Darboe in the trial of the 9 NIA officers.
When the case was called, the lead counsel, Antouman Gaye, informed the court that they wanted to withdraw the said statements.
This did not go down well with the defence counsel Ibrahima Jallow. However, he admitted that the prosecution has the discretion to withdraw the statements.
Gaye reminded that the defence counsel had objected to the tendering of the documents and now that they are applying to withdraw them, he is making reservations. He said the prosecution is within its rights to ask for a withdrawal of the statements.
In her ruling, Justice Kumba Sillah-Camara stated that the prosecution has the right to withdraw the statements, saying how they do it does not matter.
Continuing with the trial, the state asked to proceed with the testimonies of Prosecution Witness 22, Alhagie Manneh, but the defence objected, arguing that the case was adjourned earlier to continue to hear the testimonies of Prosecution Witness 25, Karanlang Badjie.
Hearing continues today.
