One Lamin Jaiteh and Kunjara Jaiteh, were on Wednesday, remanded at the Remand Wing of the State Central Prison, by Principal Magistrate Buba Jawo of the Kanifing Magistrates Court, after they had pleaded not guilty to the charges of trafficking and concealment of trafficking, which are punishable under The Gambia’s laws.

According to the prosecution, the duo, on 8th June 2008, at Bakau Beach, engaged in trafficking by recruiting Lamin Manjang and 61 others, purposely for exploitation within or outside the country.

On count two, the duo, on the same day in Bakau, failed to inform the police or relevant authorities, after receiving information concerning those being trafficked.

Police Prosecutor ASP Touray, applied for a fortnight’s adjournment to enable him to call his witness. However, ASP Touray strongly opposed the bail application by the defence counsel Omar Njie, arguing that the accused has been charged with serious offences, which carry severe punishment, including life imprisonment.

“Internationally, there is a fight against this menace and all countries are implementing means to tackle the scourge,”  he said.

In response, Defence Counsel Njie, retorted that the alleged crimes are bailable offences. He told the court that only murder and treason are not bailable offences.

In his ruling, Principal Magistrate Jawo said the court has realised that count one deals with a serious offence, which bears the punishment of life imprisonment.

“The Act made it categorically clear that the charge the accused face has a punishment for life. The application for bail is hereby refused,” he ruled, and ordered the accused persons to be remanded in custody.