By: Nicholas Bass
The seventh prosecution witness (PW7), Nfally Daffeh, has expressed uncertainty over the 52 blocks of suspected cocaine before they underwent scientific examination at the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG).
Daffeh made the disclosure on Tuesday during his testimony at the ongoing trial of three judiciary officers accused of tampering with the cocaine evidence. The trial is being held before Hon. Justice Sarah Aryee at Banjul High Court.
When cross-examined by defense lawyer Musa O.S. Batchilly, Daffeh admitted that he was not sure whether the 52 blocks, allegedly linked to Senegalese convict, Bocar Hamet Salla, were indeed prohibited drugs before being tested by DLEAG scientists.
“I am not sure if the drugs were suspected cocaine,” Daffeh said.
He further stated that he was absent during the scientific examination of the 52 blocks at DLEAG’s headquarters, which was conducted before the drugs were presented to the first accused, Magistrate Ebrima Janko Colley, at Kanifing Magistrates’ Court.
During the proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecutions, A.M. Yusuf, successfully applied to have Daffeh’s cautionary and voluntary statements admitted as exhibits, with no objections from the defense.
When pressed on whether the 52 blocks remained in DLEAG’s custody from October 3 to October 23, 2023, Daffeh confirmed they did.
He also revealed that photographs of the blocks were taken only once and that he had no knowledge if the blocks were transported back to DLEAG by colleagues.
The accused, Magistrate Colley and his alleged associate, former Principal Registrar of Kanifing Magistrates’ Court Ridwan Othman, face charges including conspiracy to commit a felony, theft, dealing in prohibited drugs, fraud, and breach of trust. Mariama Jankeh Tamba is charged with neglect of official duty.
The case was then adjourned for continuation.