By: Isatou Sarr
Former Principal Magistrate of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court, Pa Modou Njie Tuesday appeared before Justice Sonia Akinbiyi of the Banjul High Court Annex on two criminal charges of dealing in prohibited drugs and official corruption.
State Counsel A.A. Wakawa, along with Counsel S. Jawara, represented the prosecution, while the accused was represented by Counsel L.S. Camara, alongside with Counsels K. Jallow and S. Sonko.
According to the bill of indictment filed under Sections 175B and 175C (1)(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, Pa Modou Njie is charged with “dealing in prohibited drugs,” contrary to Section 33(d) and punishable under Section 33(3)(b) of the Drug Control Act.
Prosecutors allege that between 16 and 22 August 2023, while serving as Principal Magistrate at Bundung Magistrates’ Court, Njie unlawfully possessed 104 blocks of cocaine exhibits in the case of DLEAG vs Abdoulie Saidyba and Ndey Jatta. He is further accused of falsely assuming the role of exhibit keeper without lawful authority.
On the second count, Njie is charged with “official corruption,” contrary to Section 86(a) of the Criminal Code. The particulars allege that on or about 16 October 2024, while acting in his capacity as Principal Magistrate, Njie solicited and received GMD 70,000 from one Michael Ezee, also known as Chairman, as a bribe to influence judicial decisions in criminal matters before him.
When the charges were read out, the accused pleaded not guilty to both counts.
State Counsel Wakawa informed the court that the accused was currently on bail and requested a date for the prosecution to assemble its witnesses.
In response, Defence Counsel K. Jallow requested that the bail earlier granted by the lower court be sustained. He also applied for disclosure of all witness statements and the list of exhibits the prosecution intended to rely on, while seeking an accelerated hearing.
In her ruling, Justice Akinbiyi granted the defence’s applications and ordered the prosecution to comply with disclosure before the next court date. The matter was adjourned for trial to begin on 1st July and continue on 2nd July 2025.