By Haddy Touray
The civil dispute between GACH Global and former Gampetroleum Managing Director, Saikou Drammeh, alongside Khadijatou Kebbeh, intensified recently as plaintiff witness Abdoulie Saine testified that Drammeh concealed a €1 million payment.
During cross-examination, Saine claimed that a lawyer assisted in facilitating a disputed transaction and alleged that Drammeh received cash from Khadijatou Kebbeh’s brother, Haruna Kebbeh. He said he witnessed the handover and filmed the contents, which reportedly included euros and dollars. Counsel BS Conteh challenged the credibility of the videos, noting that the footage lacked audio and provided no clear identification of the individuals involved.
Saine maintained that he confronted Drammeh at a police station, urging repayment. The session saw repeated objections from Counsel I Drammeh, who argued that Conteh was effectively giving evidence rather than questioning the witness. Justice Jaiteh directed the counsel to adhere to a question-and-answer format.
In re-examination, Counsel I Drammeh sought to tender police witness statements from Badou S. Conteh, Bai Mass Saine, and Hamidou Jah, asserting their relevance arose after cross-examination raised new issues regarding payments at Jah Oil. Justice Jaiteh allowed the documents for inspection and limited use, citing provisions of the Evidence Act and emphasizing the importance of a complete record for credibility assessment.
The court noted scheduling concerns due to Saine’s upcoming travel to Sweden and indicated that further cross-examination may be allowed to protect both parties’ rights.
The case now hinges on disputed facts, including whether the €1 million cash transfer actually occurred, the validity of the videos presented as evidence, and the role of counsel in facilitating the payments. The court is expected to weigh witness testimony alongside documentary evidence before making its ruling.
