Tamsir Jasseh former director general of the Immigration Department, yesterday appeared before the Banjul Magistrates' Court to answer to a civil claim of D316, 000 filed against him by Timber and Furniture Company Limited. The amount is an outstanding rent he owes the plaintiff from January to December 2007.

It could be recalled that Mr Jasseh was recently sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, after being found guilty of (treason) after being involved in a coup-attempt. Mr Jasseh whose counsel was absent in court, told the Banjul court presided over by Magistrate Kayode Olajubutu that he is under custody at the Mile two Central Prisons, adding that he has no freedom to be going in and out of the state's central prison.

According to the statement of the claim, the plaintiff rented a premises situated at number 62 Glouester street in Banjul, at the sum of US$12,000 per annum, during which the defendant paid two-years in advance. The particulars stated that the agreement expired at the end of 2006, but the defendant continued to occupy the premises, despite the notice to quit issued to him.

He refused pay rent after several demands by the plaintiff, thereby causing lost and damage to the plaintiff. The plaintiff further claimed interest and cost.