The Banjul Magistrates' Court presided over by Magistrate Hillary Abeke Thursday struck out the theft charges against Hon. Seedy SK Njie, a nominated  member of the National Assembly.

Hon. Njie was last Monday arraigned and charged at the Banjul Magistrates Court with three counts of stealing by person in public service contrary to Section 257 of the Criminal Code Cap 10 Volume 3 Laws of The Gambia, 1990. When the matter was called yesterday, Police prosecutor, Inspector Keita announced his appearance in court and informed the court that the accused person was absent. Keita then applied under Section 68(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code to withdraw the case before the court.

He further told the court that they rely strongly on the above section for their application as it has empowered them to do so. In his ruling, presiding Magistrate Abeke said he has listened to the prosecutor applying under Section 68(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, Laws of The Gambia 1990, to withdraw the case No. BM/89/2010 pending before the court.

He said even though the accused person is absent in court, his absence can be dispensed with, as the application before the court is for withdrawal probably for the interest of justice and that of the accused person, pursuance to Section 68(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code. Magistrate Abeke therefore granted the application by the prosecution and withdrew the case from the court.