The lawsuit against the state to produce Ousman Rambo Jatta, the missing councilor of old Bakau Ward, could not get underway yesterday at the High Court as the presiding judge, Justice Monageng, is said to be on sick leave. The case was then put off until a later date.

Ousman Rambo Jatta disappeared since 23rd September 2006, after some men believed to be state security agents reportedly whisked him away from his office.

Mr. Jatta has been standing trial for allegedly using malicious language during the approach to the Banjul AU Summit in June 2006, which was considered by the state to have the intensity to interfere with the peace of the nation.

Despite a court order for him to be produced, the state maintains that it is not holding Ousman Rambo Jatta.