ASP Fansu Faburay, officer in charge of number plates and vehicle transactions at the Gambia Police Force, yesterday began testifying in the criminal trial involving Dominico Fedeli, an Italian national, disclosing that Supt Manlafi Sanyang, the former head of Vehicles Logistics Unit at State House, ordered for the transfer of vehicle registration.

Mr Fedeli is being tried at the Banjul Magistrates Court for allegedly stealing Sanyong Korando 4 vehicle (reg. no. BJL4063B), which belonged to The Gambia government.

ASP Faburay, who appeared before senior magistrate Kayode Olajubutu as the first prosecution witness, recalled that he was on duty on 10th January, 2008, when he received a phone call from Supt Manlafi Sanyang, claiming that the president gave the vehicle in question to the accused as a gift.

ASP Faburay further recalled that Supt Manlafi Sanyang also ordered him to effect the transfer of ownership of the vehicle to the name of Mr Fedeli.

"But I told him that a transfer could only be effected if an application for transfer is sent to my office from State House," he said.

ASP Faburay informed the court he later received a letter of transfer for the said vehicle from an officer from the Police Intervention Unit, signed by Supt Manlafi Sanyang.

He told the court that he then effected the transfer in the name of Mr Fedeli, whom he issued a certificate of transfer with authenticated stamp.

At that juncture, the certificate of transfer of ownership, transfer and certificate of registration were tendered and marked as exhibits.

ASP Faburay said he was called a few days after the transaction by Inspector Yaya Touray of the Police Prosecution Unit to make a statement in connection with the alleged theft.

The presiding magistrate Olajubutu then adjourned the case to March 12 for continuation of the proceedings.