Tamsir Jasseh, former Immigration Director General who is currently serving a 20-year prison term at the state central prisons for his involvement in the 21st March 2006 abortive coup, on Monday appeared at the Banjul Magistrates Court under the escort of prison wardens. Mr Jasseh’s appearance before Magistrate Kayoidy was in respect of a civil suit filed against him by Timber & Furniture Company Limited.

According to the statement of claim, by an agreement made on or about December 2004, the plaintiff had let out to Mr Jasseh (the defendant) premises situated at 62 Gloucester Street in Banjul at an annual rent of US $12,000.

It added that the defendant, Tamsir Jasseh, had paid two years rent in advance.

The statement continued that though the said agreement expired at the end of December 2006, the defendant continued to occupy the premises in spite of a notice to quit issued to him to vacate. It added that he refused to pay the rent despite a demand to do so. The defendant, according to the statement, is therefore deemed to be in illegal occupation of the premises thus causing loss to the plaintiff.

The plaintiff therefore seek possession of the premises situated at 62 Gloucester Street, as well as the sum of D316, 000.00 being arrears of rent from January to December 2006.

The case was adjourned to 14th February for continuation.