Alleged Coup Plotters Pleaded Not Guilty

By Nicholas Bass

The alleged coup plotters accused of treason, concealment of treason, conspiracy, and mutiny have pleaded not guilty on all charges when the case resumed yesterday before a high court judge in Banjul after the Attorney General and Minister of Justice finally endorsed their prosecution on the alleged charges.

Lance Corporal, Sanna Fadera, Corporal Ebrima Sannoh, Corporal Omar Njie, Petty Officer Gibril Darboe and police Sub-inspector Fabakary Jawara were yesterday dragged before Justice Basirou VP Mahoney of the High Court in Banjul on multiple charges of treason and concealment of treason among other treasonable offences.

Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera, the ring leader is being tried on charges of conspiracy, treason and mutiny.

Petty Officer Gibril Darboe and Corporal Ebrima Sannoh are being tried on charges of conspiracy, treason and concealment of treason  

 Sub-inspector FabakaryJawara is being tried on charges of conspiracy, treason, and concealment of treason while Corporal Omar Njie is standing on charges of concealment of treason.

After pleading not guilty to the charges, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, AM Yusuf subsequently applied for a short date for the proper hearing of the case. However, in abundance of caution to ensure expeditious fair free and fair hearing, the lead counsel, Lamin LS Camara appealed to the court for the prosecution to furnish the defence with the list of prosecution witnesses and exhibits including audio to enable them to prepare their case.

The matter was at that point adjourned to 8th February when the state is expected to present their witnesses.