The Alleged Armed Robbers In Court
The trial of four suspected armed robbers linked to United Bureau, United Vegetable Oil Company, Access Bank, and El-Hella Company has been delayed due to the absence of legal representation for some of the accused.
Initially arraigned before Magistrate Krubally at the Banjul Magistrate Court on nine charges—including robbery with violence, conspiracy to commit a felony, and possession of firearms without authority—the case was later transferred to the High Court’s special criminal division due to jurisdictional limitations.
When the case came before Justice Cham, M.F. Njie represented the prosecution, while Counsel E. Sanneh appeared for the first accused, Ansumana Jarju. The second and fourth accused were without legal representation, while the third accused stated that Counsel Lamin J. Darboe would be representing him.
Arguing that the gravity of the charges necessitated legal representation for all accused persons, Counsel Sanneh urged the court to delay proceedings until legal counsel was secured. Justice Cham agreed, ruling that the accused should be given the opportunity to find legal representation or, if necessary, receive assistance from the Legal Aid Agency.
Counsel Sanneh also raised concerns over the treatment of his client, Ansumana Jarju, at Mile Two Central Prisons. He informed the court that Jarju was being held in maximum confinement with his hands and legs shackled—conditions he described as inhumane. Citing Section 37, Chapter One of the Constitution, he stressed that the court has a duty to uphold fundamental rights, including those outlined in Section 21, which prohibits inhumane treatment.
“At the moment, my client’s rights are being threatened, and I call on the attention of the court,” Sanneh stated, clarifying that while he was not formally petitioning the court, he felt it was imperative to raise the issue.
He further argued that under Section 17 of the Constitution, authorities—including the Minister of Interior, who oversees the prison department—are responsible for ensuring the protection of fundamental rights. He urged the court to invoke Section 37 to prevent further violations of detainees’ rights.
In response, Justice Cham directed prison authorities to uphold the fundamental rights of detainees and adjourned the case to March 11, 2025, to allow the remaining accused persons to secure legal representation.