Seedy M Touray, Inspector General of Police
By Landing Ceesay
State Counsel J.O. Okete, representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General, informed the High Court that they remain within the time frame to respond to a lawsuit filed by former Deputy Police Commissioner Sambujang Fatty.
During the hearing, Counsel K. Jallow, representing Fatty, informed the court of filing an originating summons.”We filed an originating summon in this matter and the same was served on the respondents (IGP and Attorney General). However, we have not received any reply from the respondents in respect to the originating summon,” Counsel K. Jallow told the court.
State Counsel Okete acknowledged receipt of the summons and explained the delay.
“My lord, we can confirm receipt of the process, and we quickly wrote to the police to furnish us with the relevant documents to enable us to respond appropriately to the writ of summon. We have just received the required documents from the Police, which will enable us to start preparing for the response. We are still in the time limit, and we will file at the appropriate time,” Counsel Okete told the court.
Counsel Jallow pressed for an expedited trial, emphasizing the plaintiff’s situation.
“My lady, we believe that the respondents might have been doing some house keeping to respond. But it is our submission that the originating summon ought to be responded to within the time limit.”
Okete requested additional time, citing a heavy workload.
“I have a lot in my hands right now. It will take time before I will file a response,” Counsel Okete told the court.
Jallow expressed dissatisfaction, reiterating her client’s pressing circumstances.
“My lady, our constraints is that our client is sitting at home. We will appreciate it if the respondents could file within the time frame,” Counsel K. Jallow respond to Counsel Okete.
In response, presiding Judge Hon. Justice Aryee suggested exploring an out-of-court settlement.
Counsel Jallow noted that an out-of-court settlement had not yet been considered, but indicated that it might be difficult given her client’s instructions.
Hon. Justice Aryee ordered State Counsel Okete to file a response by November 29, 2024. Both parties were directed to submit their written briefs by December 6, 2024. The case was then adjourned to December 16, 2024.