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Interior Minister Was Aware of The Torture
Wednesday, 10 August 2011 04:09
(DailyNews) - Former operations commander of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA), Mr Ousman
Sanneh has said that the minister of Interior Ousman Sonko was aware of the torture meted out on two anti-drug officers by four personnel of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in 2009.“Minister Sonko was aware of the torture because Ebrima Bun Sanneh reported the matter to him,” Sanneh said while testifying in the torture case involving the
four NIA operatives. The trial which is underway at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court involves Lamin Darboe, Ebrima Drammeh, Edrissa Jobe and Omar Jammeh.
They are alleged to have caused grievous bodily harm to Lamin Kabou and Lamin Sima by beating them with fist blows, electric cables and metals at the NIA headquarters in Banjul. All accused persons denied the charges.
Sanneh’s statement according to the accused person’s lawyer was a bit in conflict with the former NDEA boss, Bun Sanneh who had told the court that the matter was not reported to Minister Sonko. But the witness maintained that what he had said the truth.
“Did you report the matter to the police,” defense lawyer Sissoho asked. “I personally did not report the matter because the then IGP was aware of it,” the witness said.
However, he told the court that the alleged torture incident did not happen in their presence.
“I have not seen them with my naked eyes but I saw the signs of torture all over their bodies.”
He said the drug officers claimed to be tortured, but were never taken to any hospital for medical treatment.
Still under cross-examination, Sanneh told the court that NDEA is the lead agency in drug related matters.
“Is NDEA the only agency in The Gambia empowered to investigate drug related matters,” lawyer Sissoho inquired.
“Yes Sanneh replied, adding that the police can arrest and hand over any drug suspect but should not interfere likewise the NIA.”
He added that his men - Lamin Kabou and Lamin Sima - were charged and arraigned before the Banjul Magistrates’ Court. He said he had earlier told the panel at the NIA that they have no criminal case against the two.
“At the panel I asked the accused persons what wrong had the NDEA officers committed and the 3rd accused responded that they were obstructed by Lamin Kabou and Lamin Sima while executing their duty,” he said.
The case will resume August 19, 2011.
Written by Binta A Bah
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Comments
Not only did I witness supreme skills, but I was taken by the Gambian's sense of good manners, to there opponents, whilst playing the game very hard.
Comment:
Well Muzungu, If those Good Manners takes you to think that you can tread on our toes, then that will be the biggest mistake you are committing in your life because people like Lalo Kebba are keen observers around and our little experience with the White world taught us alot and those lessons are still circulating in our system.
In the service of SeneGamBissau I remain
She bares the mental scares of British history...but does not place me in anything like..that history.
She would not be here one moment longer if it were not for me.
My record...is transparent.African's teach me something new every day.
Of course there will always be those..who will say I could do more.
There will always be those who say I am not sincere...
But some will say I have already done enough.
But there can never be enough?
This is a hard road to travel...for a muzungu
That is why I never rush to asking for a friendship much more to the person who never want me to live on the life I prefer as African !
In the service of mother Africa I remain
At my age I have worn out so many faces.
Whereas the Gambian has only one face and one colour.
Friendship...is therefore very difficult with a man with so many faces.
It depends very much on the time and the circumstance...of the encounter?
Rudyard Kipling said....that upon the evening of our death, if you can count the number of your true friends on more than the fingers of one hand....then you have lead a very good life indeed.
I cannot argue with that my friend.
Comment:
Are we really friends ?
I never see the sign of it on your face.
"Wazungu smiles when His Heart is burning, they never show their true colour till when they are on their death Bed, wher you see the Body change into Blue, Green or whatever you can't imagin.
I only have one Muzungu friend and I think he is enough for me !
So try next time to get the original colour, because the one you have now is a photo-copy or should I say fake one?
In the service of SeneGamBissau I remain
You are most certainly well endowed.
Footballers are like motor cars.
Some can go fast..some can climb mountains....and some are good for doing the weekly shopping.
Comment:
Well Toubaabu-man, Maybe players in Her Majesty's kindom are you potraying here but not the one in SeneGamBissau.
We are naturally gifted that's the difference between us !
In the Service of SeneGamBissau I remain
Thats sad. Everyone needs an identity and a specialist skill.
Footballers are like motor cars.
Some can go fast..some can climb mountains....and some are
And I was and maybe still good in all positions in the field from Goal keeper to the striking force !
So Lalo is not your mate old Boy !
In the service of SeneGamBissau I remain
The contributions of trophies and cash were greatfully recieved.
Bare in mind I played for many years to a professional standard myself. I too won many trophies.
I find it very hard hearted of Mr Jammeh to often criticise the youths of The Gambia.
For certain...the Gambian is a formidable defender and attacker whose skill playing on sandy pitches, was very impressive.
Not only did I witness supreme skills, but I was taken by the Gambian's sense of good manners, to there opponents, whilst playing the game very hard.
For sure...Mr Jammeh has failed to realise the great potential of Gambian youth.
I have always said that the Youth of The Gambia is your greatest asset.
I was a full back..in those days.
What position do you play Mr Kebba?
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