The state, represented by deputy director of public prosecution, DDPP Mikailu Abdoulhi, has filed in affidavit in a matter involving the state and one Christopher Badjie, in a money laundering case before the Special Criminal Court, presided over by justice Moses Richards.

It would be recalled that the state filed an application for writ  of certiorari to quash the proceeding and ruling of the Banjul Magistrates Court delivered by the then magistrate BY Camara. At yesterday’s   sitting, DDPP Mikailu Abdoulahi told the court about the intention of the state to move it’s  application.
Awjum Gaye,  respondent counsel, who held brief for Antouman Gaye, said she received instruction from her senior counsel that they would need enough time to respond to the affidavit filed by the state. The DDPP further  informed the court that the said affidavit was filed on January 22, 2010 and argued that the defendants were only entitled to reply at least within 48 hours; hence he urged the court to allow the state move it’s motion.

Justice Richards said, in the interest of justice, last week was Bar week and would oblige them further time to respond. The state in its further affidavit disclosed that the accused, Christopher Badjie, entered The Gambia when allegation of crime are still pending against him in the United States and in the United Kingdom.He added that the  accused transferred proceeds of his unlawful activities outside the Gambia contrary to the Money  Laundering Act  of 2003.
The affidavit further disclosed that the accused, Christopher Badjie, opened bank accounts in several banks in The Gambia using different names like Sulayman Badji, Joseph Moneke, Christopher Bah, Bintou Coli, Gerard Charles and Hendrik  Van Der Watty, to cover up his illicit transactions.

The further affidavit filed by the state also disclosed that the accused illegally acquired multiple Gambian passports and ID cards to facilitate the opening of such accounts in Trust Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Gambia limited, Access Bank Gambia limited, and Eco Bank Gambia limited.
That the accused has attempted to withdraw money from the bank accounts and that the said bank accounts and money there are part of the investigations and evidential materials at his trial. The state affidavits revealed that the respondent, Christopher Badjie, could not have access to custody of exhibits meant for his trial without jeopardizing the trial. That there is an urgent need for the court to freeze the bank accounts pending the determination of the application of certiorari as well as the charges against the respondent.