Man Allegedly Found with Prohibited Drugs Granted Bail For D1 Million By High Court
By Landing Ceesay
Lamin Jallow, who stands accused of possession of prohibited drugs, has been granted bail by Hon. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court of the Gambia. The bail amount set is to one Million Dalasis (D1,000,000.00).
Jallow had been held in custody by the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on charges related to the possession of prohibited drugs, in violation of section 43 (4) (e) of the Drug Control Act and in accordance with Section 99 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
In his application to the High Court, Mr. Jallow sought bail pending the hearing and determination of his case.
In delivering his ruling, Hon. Justice Jaiteh emphasized the presumption of innocence, as enshrined in Section 24 of the 1997 Constitution.
Justice Jaiteh decreed, exercising the court’s discretion, that Jallow be granted bail for D1,000,000.00. He stipulated that Jallow must secure a Gambian surety who can provide an affidavit of means for the equivalent amount. Additionally, Jallow is required to submit the title deed or freehold title of a property to the Principal Registrar of the High Court, accompanied by a valuation report dated no later than the court’s order.
“I shall invoke the discretion of the Court and grant bail to the Applicant as follows: That the Applicant (Lamin Jallow) is granted bail in the sum of D1, 000,000.00 (One Million Dalasis). That the Applicant is to provide one Gambian surety who must depose to an affidavit of means in the like sum. That the Applicant must also deposit his or her title deed or freehold title of a landed property with the Principal Registrar of the High Court, with a valuation report issued not later than the order of this Court.
Furthermore, Jallow is obligated to be present at all court sessions until the final judgment. The Drug Law Enforcement Agency of the Gambia (DLEAG) has been instructed to reschedule the drug case at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court within three months from the date of this ruling. Should the DLEAG fail to relist or press charges within this timeframe, Jallow will be released from remand, with or without sureties. This order has been issued to the Director General of DLEAG and the Director of Public Prosecutions (D.P.P), as per Justice Jaiteh’s ruling.
“That the Applicant is required to attend each and every Court sitting up to judgment. That the DLEAG is to relist the drug case against the Applicant at Brikama Magistrates’ Court on or before but not later than 3 months from the date of this order. That the failure of the DLEAG to relist or file a charge against the Applicant shall elapse, and he shall be discharged from remanded prison with or without sureties. This order is to be served on the Director General of DLEAG and the D.P.P,” Hon. Justice Jaiteh ruled.