By Cecilia E. L. Mendy
The High Court in Banjul, presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh has ordered strict timelines for the filing and exchange of final written briefs of argument in the on-going Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) case.
The directive was issued on Thursday following the discharge of Defence Witness 3 (DW3), Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, who testified on behalf of the fourth defendant. The court subsequently directed all parties to submit their final written submissions within clearly defined timeframes.
Counsel Y. Senghore and A. Njie represent the plaintiffs, while Counsel S. M. Tambadou appears for the second defendant. State Counsel A. Gibba represents the third, fourth, and fifth defendants.
According to the court’s order, Counsel S. M. Tambadou and State Counsel A. Gibba were each granted 28 days, beginning Friday, May 22, 2026, to file and serve their respective written briefs. Their submissions are expected to be completed on or before June 18, 2026.
Thereafter, Counsel A. Njie and her team for the plaintiffs will have 28 days, commencing June 19, 2026 and ending July 17, 2026, within which to file and serve the plaintiffs’ written brief of argument on all defendants.
The court further directed that Counsel S. M. Tambadou and State Counsel A. Gibba will each be allowed seven days, from July 18 to July 24, 2026, to file and serve any reply on points of law, should the need arise.
Justice Jaiteh emphasized that all counsel must strictly comply with the timelines set by the court, warning that delays would not be entertained unless supported by exceptional and compelling reasons properly presented before the court.
He also instructed all parties to exchange email addresses and ensure that written briefs are served electronically in addition to filing hard copies with the court registry, in a move aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring timely service of court documents.
The matter has been adjourned to July 28, 2026, for the adoption of the filed written briefs, marking a key procedural step toward the conclusion of the case.
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