The criminal trial involving the state against the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ensa Badjie and Ali Ceesay failed to proceed yesterday, Wednesday, 20th of October 2010, before the Special Criminal Court, presided over by Justice Joseph E. Ikpala, when the 9th prosecution witness informed the said court that he was ill and unfit to give evidence before the court.

The ex-IGP, Ensa Badjie is standing trial on criminal offences ranging from conspiracy to commit felony, robbery, receiving stolen property, aiding or abetting robbery, conspiracy to commit misdemeanor, aiding prisoner to escape from lawful custody, official corruption, amongst others, whilst Ali Ceesay is standing trial on charges of conspiracy to defeat justice and interference with witnesses, deceiving witnesses and offences relating to judicial proceedings contrary to the Laws of The Gambia.

When the matter came up yesterday, the 9th prosecution witness, Dodou Janneh who entered the witness box stood for almost two hours and complained that he was ill. At that juncture, the deputy director of Public Prosecution (DDPP), Mikailu Abdulahi asked the court if the witness can be given a chair to sit while he gives evidence.

Shortly after he was given a chair to sit, the witness informed the court that he was not very fit to give evidence. After some persuasion by the DDPP, Mikailu Abdulahi to try and speak, the witness was still hesitant, adding that he was very ill. At this point, DDPP, Mikailu Abdulahi applied for the case to be adjourned, the application was granted by the presiding Judge, Justice Joseph E Ikpala by consent from both the defence counsel, Borry Touray and the DDPP, Mikailu Abdulahi.

Hearing continues on the 25th of October 2010.