By Bruce Asemota
The high court in Banjul, presided over by Justice Ebrima Ba Jaiteh has sent hearing notices to the Attorney General’s Chambers and lawyer Abdulai Sissohor for Yankuba Touray to appear and continue his defence for the alleged murder of his former cabinet colleague, Ousman Koro Ceesay.
The Supreme Court of The Gambia recently ruled that there is no constitutional immunity shielding Touray from standing trial.
In a unanimous decision by all the five judges, the apex court declared that the high court can proceed with the hearing of the murder trial involving the former junta member.
Yankuba Touray was giving evidence in his defence before the high court when he raised the issue of an indemnity clause in the constitution and the high court had to refer the issue to the supreme court for determination
Mr Touray who has been remanded at the state central prison is expected to appear before the high court on 15th February, to continue his defence.
Bakau akaloship
Meanwhile in an unrelated case, Dodou Bojang, the alkalo of Bakau yesterday told the high court presided over by Justice Ebrima Ba Jaiteh that he has not secured the services of a legal counsel to represent him in the civil suit filed against him by one Suruwa Wawa Jaiteh of Bakau.
Dodou Bojang, however pleaded with the court to give him time to enable him secure the services of a legal counsel to represent him in the suit.
It could be recalled that Suruwa Jaiteh is challenging his appointment and seeking a court order to declare that Dodou Bojang be disqualified as a person not fit for the appointment of alkalo of Bakau.
Suruwa Jaiteh contended that the process of Dodou Bojang’s nomination and/or endorsement was not in compliance with the mandatory requirements for one eligible for consideration for the appointment as alkalo of Bakau.
Suruwa further contended that the process of Dodou Bojang’s nomination as alkalo of Bakau was fraudulent and wants the high court to nullify the act of the Ministry of Local government and Religious Affairs in appointing Dodou Bojang as alkalo of Bakau and appoint, Suruwa Jaiteh, as the alkalo of Bakau.
