By Abdoulie John
The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday transferred the Serrekunda demo case to the Banjul High Court involving renowned Gambian rapper Ali Cham (aka Killa Ace) and 36 others. They are facing 8 counts including conspiracy, unlawful assembly, prohibition of conduct conducive to breach of peace, arson, rioters demolishing building and riotously injuring machinery.
In a packed court room, Presiding Magistrate Don-Njie ruled that the court should recuse itself from the case, citing counts 4, 5, 6 and 7 to back up her argument. She then ordered for the case to be transferred to the High Court in Banjul.
Killa Ace and 36 were arrested last were and dragged before Kanifing Magistrates’ Court. They are accused of allegedly taking part in the July 24 demonstration that plunged the entire Kanifing municipality into chaos, resulting to destruction of properties and the shutting down of economic activity in the area.
She further indicated that the said court lacks the jurisdiction also to grant bail to the accused persons, and ordered that they should remain in custody pending their appearance before the Banjul High Court.
Lawyers Antoumane Gaye, Lamin S. Camara, Salieu Taal, Abdoulie Sissoho and Patrick Gomez appeared for the defense.
Meanwhile, when the case was called for hearing, Police prosecutor Superintendent Mballow told the court that 7 accused persons managed to escape. But he was quick to add that 6 of the escapees were rearrested while one of them voluntarily turned himself in to Police. He then added that they will face additional charge of escaping lawful custody.
Ends