Senior Magistrate Abdoulie Mbacke of the Kanifing Magistrates’ court recently issued a bench warrant, ordering the arrest of one Reverend Bannie Manga, a religious leader and his accomplice, Milville Roberts, to explain to the court why they should not be remanded for the rest of the trial.

His decision followed an application by the Prosecuting Officer, Inspector Fadera for a bench warrant to be issued for the arrest of the accused persons, to answer to the charges preferred against them.

Magistrate Mbacke told the court that the accused persons had failed to appear in court on 20th August, 7th September and 16th September 2009, without obtaining clearance from the court for their absence.

He ordered for the issuance of a bench warrant to effect the arrest of the accused persons, and the same to be brought before the court, to explain why they should not be remanded in custody.

According to the particulars of offence, on count one, Reverend Bannie Manga on or about 4th July 2008, along Kairaba Avenue obstructed two police officers in due execution of their duties.

Count two stated that, Milville Roberts on or about 4th July 2008, along Kairaba Avenue assaulted a Police Officer in due execution of his duties.