DPP Ends Cross-Examination of Ex-IGP Badjie in Robbery Trial

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

Sidiq Asemota

26 May 2011

The director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mikailu Abdullahi on Tuesday, 24th of May 2011 concluded his cross-examination of the former police boss, Ensa Badjie, in the robbery trial, before the Special Criminal Court in Banjul, presided over by Justice Joseph Enwa Ikpala.

It could be recalled that the ex-police boss, Ensa Badjie and Ali Ceesay have been standing trial on multiple counts of criminal offences; ranging from conspiracy to commit felony, robbery, aiding and abetting robbery, escape of prisoners from lawful custody, receiving stolen property, abuse of office, amongst others.

Responding to questions posed to him by DPP, Mikailu Abdullahi, the former police boss told the Special Criminal Court that he knows Kemesseng Kolley, a prison officer. Ensa Badjie, who initially denied that he was charged along with the said Kemesseng Kolley, admitted that the said Kemesseng Kolley was arraigned before the Special Criminal Court.

The ex-IGP told the court that he had testified before the Special Criminal Court that he once had problem with PW1, Soriba Condeh inside the prisons, which he reported to the said Kemesseng Kolley, one Abdoulie Bojang and some other prison officials. He however denied DPP’s claims that it was because of the problem he had with PW1, Soriba Condeh inside the prisons that led to the preferring of the charges and arraignment of the said Kemesseng Kolley before the Special Criminal Court, which led to his (Kemesseng’s) indictment.

When asked whether he was in court when the charges against Kemesseng Kolley were read, Badjie replied in the affirmative, adding that the charges preferred against Kemesseng Kolley were in connection to juju (charms). The ex-IGP Badjie told the court that he couldn’t remember whether Kemesseng Kolley was charged with the offences relating to judicial proceedings or conspiracy.

He further told the court that he was not aware if the said Kemesseng Kolley was convicted of the offence of conspiracy and offences relating to judicial proceedings, adding that all he knew was that the said Kemesseng Kolley was charged with an offence of juju by the then DPP, Richard Chenge.

At that juncture, the DPP, Mikailu Abdullahi informed the court that he had finished cross-examining Ensa Badjie, who informed the court that he intended to call his witness.

Hearing continues on the 30th of May 2011 at 10:30am.

AllAfrica – All the Time