Confessed serial killer, Alagie Kanyi who serves as the state’s star witness in the alleged murder trial of the embattled former AFPRC junta member and one-time minister back in court today to give evidence under cross-examination by the defence.
When the case resumed today before justice Ebrima Jaiteh, AM Yusuf who appeared along with K Colley and A Saho announced their representation for the state.
In his evidence in-chief, the star witness, Mr Kanyi confirmed to the that they were briefed and debriefed in the compound of Edward Singhatey before and after they have executed their mission.
Mr Kanyi however clarified that at the time of their briefing he did not see the orderlies of Mr Singhatey who was the vice chairman of the AFPRC at the time adding that he could not remember who closed the compound gate by the time they left for the operation.
Mr Kanyi a former sergeant of the Gambia National Army also confirmed making different statements about the suspect. When asked by the defence whether he would be able to identify the statements and under what circumstances he would be able to identify them. In response he he said by his words and the statement he made on 2 July 2019 at Kairaba Police station on the murder of Ousman Koro Ceesay.
Attorney for Mr Touray, Abdoulie Sissoho at that point asked Mr Kanyi to look at the statements before the court and confirm whether they were his statements.
After careful perusal of the statements, he was quizzed again whether he recognized them, but the state counsel, AM Yusuf raised an objection on the ground that he needed to see the documents before he finalise his objection.
At that point a heated debate arose between the defence and the state prosecutor which prompted the trial judge to intervene.
Defence counsel argued that he has no objection to the objection raised by the state with regards to his line of questioning but the state request to see the documents which he has not yet tender as exhibits.
In his ruling the trial judge slammed the state’s objection as “premature” while referring the parties to section 205 of the Evidence Act and ruled that the question was proper and lawful and therefore should be answered by the witness.
Mr Kanyi in response to the question confirmed the said documents as his statements but were not yet tender as exhibits.
“I am not here to favour anyone but to ensure that justice is done and is seen to be done. I have never met the suspect in my life nor the witness. This is a court of justice and I must ensure that justice is served at all course,” the trial judge, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh declared before adjourning the case to tomorrow for continuation of cross-examination of Mr Kanyi.
