Momodou Lamin Sonko, alias Boto,The Managing Director of  Boto Construction Company and Mustapha Leigh, former Director of Technical Services at the Department of State for Works, Construction and Infrastructure yesterday appeared before Principal Magistrate Moses Richards of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court charged with conspiracy to commit felony, stealing and abuse of office contrary to Sections 386, 252 and 90 respectively of the criminal code.

The duo pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and said that they did know the reason why they were to brought to court.

According to the particulars of the offences, on count one, the accused persons conspired together in the year 2001 with the intention to steal; on count two, the charges state that the accused in the year 2001 at Mansa Konko, in Lower River Region are alleged to have stolen a bulldozer being the property of The Gambia Government.

The particulars added that on count three, the first accused person [Mustapha Leigh] while working as an employee of the Public  Services of the Gambia Government in 2001 allowed the second accused [Boto] to use a bulldozer being the property of Government without authority.

At that juncture, the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Bojang objected to the bail of the accused persons, adding that more charges are going to be filed against them. He said if the court granted them bail they may tamper with the investigations.

But the lawyer for the second accused person (Boto), Antouman Gaye told the court that the accused persons are responsible people, with families and it is a constitutional right that they be granted bail.

Principal Magistrate Richards subsequently upheld the Lawyer Gaye’s application and granted them bail at the sum of D500,000 with two sureties. He also ordered the two to surrender their title deeds to the court.