Prosecution Officer Inspector Mballow, yesterday strongly opposed the withdrawal application made by Lawyer Badou Conteh on behalf of Abdoullahi Jallow, who is on trial before Acting Magistrate Kumba Sillah-Camara of the Bundung Magistrates Court on charges of rape.

The prosecutor's objections were supported by the magistrate. According to the particulars of the offence, on 6 May 2008 at Sanchaba Sulay Jobe, Abdoullahi Jallow had sexual intercourse with a girl (name withheld), without her consent. He has pleaded not guilty.

Shortly after he had taken his plea, his counsel, Badou Conteh, applied for the withdrawal of the case on the grounds that the parents (of both the complainant and accused) had come to a mutual agreement.

Inspector Mballow replied that the offense is a serious one and it is only the Attorney General's Chambers which have the right or power to stop or withdraw the case. In her ruling, Acting Magistrate Kumba Sillah-Camara said since the prosecution did not apply for withdrawal, the case shall proceed.