The Court Martial of the ten military officers allegedly involved in the 21st March abortive coup yesterday commenced hearing at the Yundum barracks. The hearing saw more charges filed against the accused persons.

On the one hand, Captain Bunja Darboe, Capt. Yahya Darboe, Capt. Wassa Camara and 2nd LT Pharing Sanyang were charged with four extra counts, namely counselling or procuring of persons; conspiracy to cause mutiny; conspiracy to commit treason and mutiny. This brings to five the number of charges brought against the accused persons, the first one being treason.

On the other hand Capt Abdoukarim Jah, Capt. Pierre Mendy, Lt. Momodou Alieu Bah, Corporal Samba Bah, Lance Corporal Babou Janha and Private Alhagie Nying were charged with three counts of failing to report a mutiny; concealment of treason by failing to report to the authorities and concealment of treason by failing to employ other reasonable means to prevent mutiny. All ten accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In his testimony the state witness, Detective First Class 1580 Abdoulie Sowe of the Major Crimes Unit told the court that he was part of the panel set up to investigate the accused persons’ involvement and knowledge of the 21st march abortive coup. He said the panel comprised of different security services such as the Gambia Police Force (GPF), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF).

Detective Sowe further informed the court that Capt. Wassa Camara, Capt. Yaya Darboe and Private Alhagie Nying were brought before the panel at different times, adding that they were each asked about their knowledge, role and participation in the abortive coup. Detective Sowe adduced that after their explanation, cautionary and voluntary statements where obtained from the trio.

He said both Capt. Wassa Camara and Capt Yaya Darboe chose to write their own statements while Private Alhagie Nying chose to give his statement orally in Wollof, adding that after Private Nying’s statement was thus obtained, it was read to him in Wollof.

The state witness further stated that the statements of the three accused persons, Capt. Wassa Camara, Capt. Yaya Darboe and Private Alhagie Nying were obtained in the presence of an independent witness.

Hearing continues today at the Yundum Barracks.