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Calm down we will get out of this, Mambury Njie tells weeping relatives |
Saleh Hadi Barkun, prosecuting, hinted that Mr
Njie, who is previously charged with “abuse of office” and “economic crimes” at
a lower court, is likely to face more charges.
The prosecution has also argued
the accused be held citing fears he could interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigations
if granted bail.
Justice Mikailu Abdullahi, presiding, ruled that
the accused person, who is yet to enter a formal trial at the High Court, be
remanded.
This is the third time Mr Njie is refused a courtbail. His lawyer has previously argued his detention is illegal.
The former minister has now been in custody for 37
days without any formal charges or court order, but his counsel Lamin S. Camara
described the ex-minister’s ordeal as “unconstitutional.”
“I could have mind to release
the applicant on bail today, but looking at the antecedent and the fact that
more charges are likely to be brought against him, I cannot grant him bail,”
Judge Mikailu ruled on Monday.
However, he warned that if prosecution failed to
bring formal charges against the accused within 10 days he will grant the
accused bail either conditionally or unconditionally.
Mr Mambury Njie, who has been in detention at
Mile 2, the State’s Central Prison since Dec. 14, 2012, is yet to take his
plea.
His case was transferred to the High Court after
the Banjul Magistrates Court ruled it lacks jurisdiction to hear economic
crimes.
The case is scheduled to resume on Feb., 1, 2013.
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Written by Modou S. Joof
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