As the court martial hearing into the alleged 21st March abortive coup continued yesterday, the state witness, Detective 1580 Abdoulie Sowe, revealed that a written statement which was meant to be read to the general public, was found in the possession of Capt. Bunja Darboe.

Continuing his testimony, Detective Sowe informed the court that Capt. Bunja Darboe told the members of the panel that he had been asked by the then CDS, Col Ndure Cham, to prepare a statement. He added that when Bunja Darboe was asked about that written statement, he admitted that it was a hand-written preamble prepared and signed by himself.

Still testifying, state witness Detective Sowe adduced that Capt. Bunja Darboe, 2nd Lt Pharing Sanyang, Capt. Pierre Mendy, Lance Corporal Babou Janha and Lt Momodou Alieu Bah appeared before the panel at different times, adding that they were each asked about their knowledge of, role and involvement in the abortive coup. He added that after their explanation, cautionary and voluntary statements were obtained from them.

He further reiterated that Capt. Bunja Darboe, 2nd Lt Pharing Sanyang, Capt Pierre Mendy and Lt Momodou Alieu Bah chose to write their own statements while Lance Corporal Babou Janha chose to give his statement orally in Wollof, which was later read out to him.

The Director of Public Prosecution, in his response, said that the prosecution is under obligation to make all the statements of the accused persons available to the general court. Hearing continues on Saturday.