By: Isatou Sarr
A High Court judge in Banjul on Tuesday nearly ordered the detention of State Counsel S.L. Jorbateh at Mile 2 Central Prison for contempt of court during proceedings in the case involving Banta Keita.
The incident occurred before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh while Defence Counsel S.M. Tambedou was presenting affidavits to the court without objection from the prosecution.
Tension arose when State Counsel Jorbateh rose to respond and began his submissions. Defence Counsel Tambedou objected during the address, prompting the judge to instruct the State Counsel to allow the objection to be heard.
However, Jorbateh continued speaking, stating that he was an officer of the court and expressing concern that he was not being treated fairly.
Despite repeated warnings from the bench to comply with procedure, the State Counsel persisted in his submission, leading to a heated exchange in the courtroom.
Justice Jaiteh then warned that he would commit the State Counsel to Mile 2 Prison for contempt of court.
“I think I need to send this counsel to Mile 2 Prison to show him that I am not his mate,” the judge was quoted as saying.
Senior lawyers in court, including Defence Counsel S.M. Tambedou and Senior Counsel Badou Conteh, intervened and appealed for calm, urging compliance with the court’s directives.
As the judge moved to issue an order for the arrest of the State Counsel, senior lawyers pleaded for leniency, calling for the court to temper justice with mercy.
“Please, I beg you in the name of God, do not send him to Mile 2,” Senior Counsel Badou Conteh reportedly said.
The matter was subsequently stood down and taken into chambers for further discussions. Proceedings were later adjourned.
