FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)
Bubacarr K. Sowe and Fabakary B. Ceesay
1 March 2008
Moses Benjamin Jallow, the charge d'affaires of the Gambia's Embassy in France has testified that he does not know the date of the termination of the services of Michel Coencas and Michel Athias, both employed by the said embassy.
Under cross-examination on Wednesday, February 27, in the trial of William Joof, Gambia's former ambassador to France, Mr. Jallow said he knew about the termination of Coencas and Athias in a communication note from Mr. Joof to the UNESCO Secretariat. Mr. Jallow agreed with the defence lawyer that what he saw was not a termination letter but a communication note.
Asked whether the note from Mr. Joof could have come after the resignation or falling sick of Mr. Coencas and Mr. Athias, the witness said it could be.
The charge d'affaires further said that he was assigned to the post in France on September 15, 1998 and he knew the accused person prior to his posting, adding that Joof was the Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Affairs Department. As head of the Chancery, Mr. Jallow said he had not seen any duty waiver in respect to the vehicle Mr. Joof allegedly bought. The charge d'affaires added that he did not see any receipt of the purchase of the vehicle, but had seen a proforma invoice.
Mr. Jallow also said he was told by one Gerrard Nuss that he paid fifteen thousand Euros to Mr. Joof so that he can be made honorary consul.
He adduced that he saw bank transfers of the alleged sum paid to Mr. Joof's personal account. Finally, he told the court that he had not been shown evidence of this payment by the bank.
He did not also know the registration number of the vehicle Mr. Joof allegedly bought.
However, the Director of public prosecution, Emmanuel Fagbenle wanted to recall the witness so that he can tender some evidence in court, but the defence lawyer, Lamin Camara objected to that, thereby triggering a long argument.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Olajubutu Kayode is to deliver a ruling on the matter on February 28.
Mr. Joof is facing charges of abuse of office, official corruption, obtaining goods by false pretence, stealing and conspiracy.
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