Magistrate E.A Nkea of the Brikama Magistrates Court yesterday, Monday,  9th March issued a bench warrant to secure the appearance of Inspector Nfamara Sanneh at the ongoing land dispute case between the communities of Giborro and Gidda.

The presiding magistrates' decision came on the heels of the absence of the police officer, who served as PW2 at the said trial. Borry Touray, counsel for Giborro Kuta, made an application to secure the appearance of the witness to be cross-examined by the defence. "My lord, we made an agreement that the matter should progress even in the absence of counsel, considering the nature of the offence and the number involved. I have another matter at the High Court, but I sacrificed that one for this matter to proceed. The witness is a police officer and he ought to know the law", the defence told the court.

For his part, Inspector Federa said he was made to understand that the witness was at the High Court to give evidence in another matter. "As far as I know the witness is supposed to be cross-examined by the defence", the police explained.

The presiding magistrate ruled that a bench warrant be issued against the witness in order to secure his appearance in court and recommended that the office of the IGP  should  support the order. The 86 accused persons were alleged to have conspired to commit felony, disobeyed lawful orders and threatening violence, all contrary to the laws of the country.