Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh of the Kanifing Magistrates Court said yesterday that the court has jurisdiction to hear the case of the five Senegalese custom officers who are currently being tried for violating the maritime laws of The Gambia as well as illegal arms importation.

The Magistrate made this remark in response to a submission made by Lawyer Antouman Gaye, counsel for the accused, who urged the court to acquit and discharge the accused persons as it has no jurisdiction to hear the case.

In his ruling, Magistrate Jammeh told the court that the letter from the Senegalese High Commissioner in Banjul tendered by the defence counsel and marked as exhibit F does not sufficiently prove that the boat the accused persons boarded belongs to the Senegalese government, because it does not bear the Senegalese National flag.

He added that there is nothing wrong with the charge sheet, noting that the Kanifing court has the jurisdiction and competence to hear the case.

Magistrate Jammeh said that the defence Counsel can recall all the witnesses he wishes to recall for cross-examination.

“From now on there will be no more long adjournments and therefore the case will be heard on a daily basis”, he emphasised.