1996 allege coup trial delayed

The trial of Abdoulie Sonko, who is facing charges of treason before Justice Emmanuel Amadi of the High Court in Banjul could not proceed on March 21, 2011 because the prosecutor handling the case has been transferred to Brikama.

When the case was called on Monday, the state prosecutor’s absence was announced and that he has been transferred to the Brikama Magistrate Court’s section of the High Court, prompting the judge to adjourn the case till March 31, 2011.

Abdoulie Sonko was arrested on 6^th August, 2003 by the National Intelligent Agency (NIA) upon arrival at the Airport from Liberia. He is a native of Berending Village, Lower Niumi District in the North Bank Region.

He is standing trial on nine counts of conspiracy, treason and murder; he has since denied any wrong doing. In November 1996, the Farafenni Army Camp came under attack by armed men, an assault that left six Gambian soldiers dead and others wounded. 

And Sonko, the accused is alleged to have conspired Mballow Canteh, Omar Dampha, Sulayman Sarr, Essa Baldeh, Yaya Drammeh, to overthrow the democratically elected Government of the Gambia.

Sonko is also accused to have murdered Corporal Saikou Sidibeh, Corporal Essa Manneh, Staff Sergeant Lamin Badjie, Private Bakary Saidy and Private Ebrima Bojang on 8^th November 1996 at Farafenni Army Camp. Source - The Voice

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