Ex-communication minister Janneh, others face treason, other charges

Magistrate Alagbe

Charges of treason, conspiracy and sedition have been brought against former communications minister Dr Amadou Scatred Janneh and three others at the Banjul Magistrates Court presided over by acting principal Magistrate Taiwo Ade Alagbe.

Janneh, who was reportedly arrested since Tuesday 7th June was arraigned

alongside Michel C. Ucheh Thomas, Modou Keita and Ebrima Jallow.

The accused persons Monday evening appeared before the Banjul Magistrates Court, where the charges were levied against them, though they did not take their pleas.

The charges, on count one, indicated that the accused persons will stand trial for conspiracy to commit a felony, to wit treason, contrary to Section 35 (1) (g) of the Criminal Code Cap 10:01, Volume III, Laws of The Gambia 2009.

Ex Information Minister Janneh

Chief Prosecutor M Abdullahi

The particulars of the offence revealed that the four accused persons on or about the month of May 2011 in the

Kairaba Avenue

and diverse places in The Gambia, conspired among themselves to effect to carry out an enterprise with force with the intent to usurp the executive powers of the state.

On count two, the first accused, Dr Amadou Scattred Janneh will stand trial for treason contrary to Section 35 (1) (c) of the Criminal Code Cap 10:01 Volume III Laws of The Gambia 2009.

The particulars stated that Dr Amadou Scattred Janneh on or about the month of May 2011 in Kairaba Avenue and diverse places in The Gambia, distributed T-Shirts bearing ‘Coalition for change the Gambia, End to Dictatorship Now’ with intent to usurp the executive powers of the state.

On count three, the four accused persons will stand trial for seditious intent contrary to Section 51 (1) (a) of the Criminal Code Cap 10:01 Volume III Laws of The Gambia 2009.

According to the particulars of the offence, the accused person on or about the month of May 2011 in the Kairaba Avenue and diverse places in The Gambia, distributed T-Shirts bearing ‘Coalition for change The Gambia, End to Dictatorship Now’ with intent to incite the inhabitants of The Gambia to attempt to procure alteration otherwise by lawful means any matter in The Gambia as established by law.

Landing Kinteh, the commissioner of the Police Prosecution Unit appeared for the Inspector General of Police.

Upon reviewing the charge sheet, the presiding magistrate indicated that the court holds that it lacks the jurisdiction as the matter involves treason, which according to Section 5 Sub-section (a) of the Criminal Procedure Code, the said court is excluded to hear.

He then remanded the accused persons in prison custody pending their proper arraignment at the high court as the magistrates’ court cannot hear the case.

The case was then transferred to the High Court in Banjul, where the accused persons will be tried.