One Bekai Saidy, a former staff of the Christian Relief Services (CRS), yesterday appeared before the Kanifing Magistrates Court presided over by Principal Magistrate Buba Jawo, charged with impersonation.

Mr Saidy impersonated one Taeb Thomas, CRS deputy country representative with the intent to collect a cheque book from the Standard Chartered Bank, so as to withdraw money from Thomas' account.

Testifying before a crowded courtroom, Taeb Thomas revealed that Bekai Saidy, the accused, on 1st November, 2007, went to the Standard Chatered Bank attempting to have access to his cheque book without his consent.

"When Bekai Saidy arrived at the bank, he claimed to be 'Thomas'.  He was asked by the bank manager to produce an identity card, which he failed to do.
 
"He was also asked where he had opened his account. Mr Saidy said he opened his acount at the Standard Chartered Bank's Head Office, which was false," Thomas said.
Mr Thomas further informed the court that the news was broken to him by the bank manager.

Mr Thomas stated that upon arrival at the bank, he met the accused, Bekai Saidy, at the bank manager's office.  

The CRS deputy country representative then told the court that due to the gravity of the case, he was obliged to go to the Kanifing Police Station, accompanied by one Mr Calvaro, a staff of the bank, where he reported the matter.

Bekai Saidy, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.  
The case was adjourned to November 25, for the witness to be cross-examined