Principal Magistrate Edrisa  M’bai of the Banjul Magistrates Court, last Monday sent Osseh Abdoulie Corr, Alasan Mbowe and Babucarr Njie to remand at the State Central Prison, Mile 2. 

The magistrate’s decision followed submissions and counter-submissions made by both Emmanuel Fagbenle, director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the defense counsel, Lamin Camara. The three accused persons are facing 3 counts of criminal offences ranging from attempting to acquire criminal charms contrary to Section 365; offering criminal charms for reward, contrary to Section 168 (a) and conspiracy to acquire criminal charms for reward, also contrary to Section 368 of the Criminal Code Cap 10, Volume 3.

The DPP submitted that the accused persons should not be granted bail considering the nature of their offences. "The offence committed by the accused persons is a very serious offence. For the purpose of public and national security, the accused should not be granted bail. The public and national interest is an overriding interest, which is fundamental as provided in the Constitution. Bail should not be granted to the accused persons pursuant to Section 17(2) of the 1997 Constitution with regards to fundamental interest  and liberty of the public," the DPP said. He also backed up his submission with Section 19 (4) of the 1997 constitution which states that it is not mandatory to grant bail if the public and national security are threaten.

Lamin Camara, counsel for the second accused person urged the court to grant bail to the accused persons, saying there is nothing in the entire charge sheet relating to public security. The defence counsel made reference to Section 19 (4) of the Constitution, which had been quoted by the DPP.