Momodou Lamin Jarju alias Rongo, on Tuesday, August 29, 2012 started giving his evidence-in-chief in the criminal trial involving the state against him and his father, Alhaji Lamin Jarju, at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court, presided over by Principal Magistrate Hilary Abeke.

In his testimony, Rongo who served as defence witness one (DW1) informed the court that he lives in Banjulinding where he was born, brought up and raised for over four decades. According to him, the allegations pressed against him are not true, describing them as allegations made by a group of people who have been in Banjulinding and have over the years been encroaching and trespassing into his traditional land. He mentioned these people as Momodou Lungs Jarju (PW1), Imam Yaya Bah, Landing Korte, among others, who, he said were all influenced by Eric Tundeh Janneh, the former alkalo of Banjulinding.

DW1 revealed that this encroachment started between 2005 and 2007 while he was into international cultural corporation promotion programme. He responded to the testimonies of PW1, PW2 and PW7, who stated that the land was a reserved land for Banjulinding, saying that is not true. He said that the land in question is traditionally and officially owned by him and his family, who were among the first few founders and farmers in the village of Banjulinding since colonial era. The case was adjourned to 10th September 2012 for continuation of testimony.

The accused persons are standing trial on four-count criminal charges; ranging from making false documents, to authorising false document, obtaining money by false pretence and breach of the peace, all contrary to the Laws of The Gambia.