Lawyer Antouman Gaye, the Special Prosecutor in the trial of the former NIA Director General and others has informed the court about the withdrawal of Sheriff Tambadou from the prosecution team at the High Court in Banjul.
The nine former NIA officers standing trial for the murder of Solo Sandeng, a political activist who was allegedly tortured to death in custody includes Yankuba Badjie, former Director General of NIA, Louis Gomez, former Deputy Director General, Sheikh Omar Jeng, former Director of Operations, Babucarr Sallah, Yusupha Jammeh, Haruna Susso, Tamba Massireh, Lamin Darboe and Lamin Lang Sayang.
When the case was announced this afternoon before Justice Kumba Sillah Camara, the Special Prosecutor informed the court that one of the prosecutors has withdrawn his representation in the case.
“I wish to inform this court that my learned friend Sheriff Tambadou is no longer part of the prosecution team. He has withdrawn his representation in the case,” Special Prosecutor Antouman Gaye said.
The Special Prosecutor has not given any reason why his colleague has withdrawn his representation in the case.
Lawyer C. E Mene counsel of the first accused person (Yankuba Badjie) told the court about filing a brief. He said it was file out of time due to certain circumstances. There was an objection made by the prosecution with regard to oral application urging him to file a motion.
At this juncture, the court stood down for 15 minutes before ruling in favour of the defense saying it has adopted the oral application in the interest of justice and speedy trial.
Meanwhile, the prosecution team are given ten days to respond. The case was adjourned to July 28, 2017.
