By Omar Bah
The state has taken over the conspiracy case involving former junta member Yankuba Touray and former Speaker Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay from the Inspector General of Police.
State Counsel A.M Yusuf made the declaration when the case against the two resumed yesterday before Principal Magistrate Isatou Janneh Njie of the Kanifing Magistrates Court for hearing.
Counsel A.M Yusuf urged the Court to grant them two weeks adjournment in order to get familiar with the case.
Lawyer Abdoulie Susseh, who appeared for the first accused Yankuba Touray told the court that the case should not be adjourned for two weeks, arguing that the accused persons are already charged and the first prosecution witness already started giving his evidence in chief.
Another defence lawyer, L.S Camara who appeared for the second accused FJC also objected the application, arguing that his client voluntarily submitted herself to the court with confidence of a speedy trial.
Lawyer Camara said FJC is an international consultant and that if the matter is prolonged, it would affect her. He pleaded for the court to maintain the dates that were scheduled for the matter to proceed.
The trial magistrate in her short ruling said she did not see any reason why the case should be adjourned for two weeks. She subsequently adjourned the case to 10 April for the continuation of PW1 testimony.
Yankuba Touray and Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay are battling a two-count charge on conspiracy to tamper and interfere with a witness of the truth Commission.
Both denied any wrongdoing and were granted a conditional bail with a million dalasi bail bond and two Gambian sureties.
