Burama Dibba, the former crime management coordinator (CMC) of the Gambia Police Force, was, on Friday, arraigned before Senior Magistrate Kayode Olajubutu of the Banjul Magistrates Court, charged with giving false information to the former IGP, Benedict Jammeh.

However, the accused, who pleaded not guilty, has been granted a court bail in the sum of D5,000 plus a responsible Gambian surety. The magistrate granted the bail after the police prosecutor, ASP Badjie, applied for two weeks adjournment in order to familiarise himself with the case.

A team of defence counsel, comprising Borry Touray, Sheriff Tambedou and Lamin Camara (the lead counsel) countered the application of the prosecution on the ground that two weeks is too long for the prosecutor to acquaint himself with the case.

According to the defence, their client has been in custody for three months without being brought to court nor granted bail, which runs contrary to the spirit of a fair and speedy trial, which an accused person is entitled to.

Lawyer Tambedou said two weeks is too long for the prosecutor to acquaint himself with the case, unless "we are told that the prosecution will bring only one witness".

Lawyer Tambedou added that the accused is a commissioner of police with 32 years of experience. He added that Mr Dibba is an officer with an outstanding character in both the police and the community and urged the court to grant him bail.
The case was adjourned to August 4 for continuation of the proceedings.