Justice Joseph Wowo of the High Court in Banjul has adjourned the criminal appeal case involving one Alieu Njie, a Senegalese, and the state, for judgement after the state sought the court's indulgence to adopt her briefs.

The appellant, Alieu Njie, was given 7 years custodial sentence by the lower court for allegedly attempting to smuggle some 50 butus coins out of The Gambia to use it to make bangles and rings in the neighbouring Republic of Senegal. According to the facts of the prosecution, the appellant on August 21, 2005 left Jurbel in Senegal for The Gambia and arrived in The Gambia on August 22, 2005 and went to Serrekunda with an amount of 10,000 CFA, changed it into 50 bututs coins, totaling 1000 pieces.

The same day, he left Serrekunda for Senegal and upon his arrival at Amdallai border post, he disembarked from a taxi and was intercepted by 1st class Sheriff Jallow, who was on duty with 1st class 538 Ceesay, 1st class 1697 Sowe and 697 Krubally. When he was searched, 1000 in 50 bututs coins were found in his possession contained in two black plastic bags concealed in a travelling bag.  When questioned as to why he carried such amount of coins, the appellant replied that he was going to sell it to a gold smith.

He explained that each 50 bututs coins was worth 25 CFA francs.  He was charged and arraigned before the Farafenni Magistrates court where he was sentenced to 7 years custodial. Meanwhile, the presiding judge, Justice Joseph Wowo had adjourned the matter for judgement on October, 12, 2009.