By Bruce Asemota
Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court in Banjul has adjourned the murder trial involving the state against Yankuba Touray, former AFPRC junta member and minister to 14 July for judgment.
Yankuba Touray is charged with a single count of murder.
The particulars of offence stated that Yankuba Touray caused the death of former finance minister Ousman ‘Koro’ Ceesay by beating him with a pestle like object and other dangerous weapons in June 1995 in Kololi.
The prosecution led by Principal State Counsel AM Yusuf called nine witnesses and tendered several exhibits in support of its case.
Following the closure of the prosecution case, the accused opened his defence and called two witnesses including his wife Mamie Minteh.
After conclusion of the evidence of the two witnesses, the accused person testified for himself.
On 12 October 2020 the counsel for the accused person made an oral application for the court to discharge the accused person on the ground that as a junta member of the AFPRC from 1994 to 1997 and pursuant to Paragraph 13 (1) (3) (4) and (5) and the Second Schedule to the Constitution of The Gambia, the accused person enjoys immunity from such prosecution.
The matter was referred to the Supreme Court which after looking into the matter directed the high court to proceed with the trial.
During yesterday’s sitting, Abdulai Sissohor, lawyer for Mr Touray urged the court to acquit and discharge his client while the state’s AM Yusuf urged the court to convict the accused.
