Tamsir Jasseh, former Director-General of the Immigration Department and the fifth accused person in the on-going treason trial involving three other civilians yesterday ended his testimony at the High Court in Banjul. Mr. Jasseh’s co-accused are Alieu Jobe, former Accountant General, Omar Faal Keita, a marabout, and Demba Dem, former NAM for Niani in Central River Region.

Responding to questions during the cross-examination, presided over by Justice Avril Annin Yeboah, in the ongoing Mini-trial (voire Dire) into the voluntariness of his cautionary statement obtained from the accused, Mr. Jasseh recalled meeting Sheriff Mustapha Dibba, former Speaker of the National Assembly and Lawyer Mariama Denton, at the NIA Headquarters in Banjul, in the aftermath of his arrest. According to him, he did not know whether Mr. Dibba made a statement at the NIA Headquarters. However, he pointed out that he was present when Lawyer Denton was giving her testimony in the court.

Mr. Jasseh added that he witnessed the testimonies given by Police Detectives: Tijan Bojang and Lamin Cham in the court.
Asked by DPP Emanuel Fagbenle, whether he made his statement before the arrest of Lawyer Denton, Mr. Jasseh said he made the statement after Mrs. Denton’s arrest.
At the end of his testimony, Defense Counsel Lamin Camara wanted to call in a witness, but realised that the witness was not present.
At that juncture, the trial was adjourned to May 16 and 17.