By: Cecilia E.L. Mendy
Justice Ebrima Jaiteh Wednesday granted an application for plea bargain negotiations between the state and the defence in the case involving Paulo Djabi and others.
The application followed submissions by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), A.M. Yusuf, who informed the court of the State’s intention to enter into plea bargain discussions with the accused persons.
Defence Counsel S.M. Tambedou, appearing for the accused persons, did not oppose the application and confirmed the defence’s willingness to engage in the process.
The DPP applied for an adjournment to allow both parties sufficient time to conclude the plea bargain negotiations, which was subsequently granted by the court.
In his ruling, Justice Jaiteh noted that Sections 143 and 144 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2025 provide that a prosecutor and an accused person, or the accused person’s legal representative, may negotiate and enter into a plea agreement after charges have been filed and before judgment is delivered.
The court further stated that any plea agreement on behalf of the State must be entered into by the Director of Public Prosecutions or an officer authorised by the DPP.
Justice Jaiteh said the court considered it proper and in the interest of justice to allow the parties to explore the possibility of resolving the matter through the plea bargaining process as provided under the Criminal Procedure Act, 2025.
The case was adjourned to 18th June 2026 for an update on the plea bargain negotiations.
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