The criminal trial involving the state against the 20 former staff of Gampetroleum Company on Wednesday 5th December 2012 proceeded at the Brikama Magistrates' Court presided over by Principal Magistrate Hilary Abeke.

When the matter came up, Musa Manneh and Jalikey Sanneh, the fourth and sixth accused persons were present in court who were earlier absent while the second and ninth accused, Jama Jallow and Lamin Jammeh are absent. However, when the charges were read to them, they both pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of D500,000 with two Gambian sureties.

It could be recalled that the 20 former staff of Gampetroleum namely, Kebba Bojang, Juma Jallow, Ebrima Njie, Musa Manneh, Lamin Sarr, Jalikey Sanneh, Musa Jarju, Lamin Manneh, Lamin Jammeh, Landing Badjie, Kalipha Colley, Bakary Jallow, Fabakary Sanyang, Omar Sonko, Musa Sawaneh, Muhammed Jammeh, Malayine Yarboe, Faburama B. Jobe, Kairaba M.K Camara and Barrow are standing trial on two counts of conspiracy to commit felony and stealing, contrary to the Laws of The Gambia.

The particular of offences on count one stated that Kebba Bojang and 19 others on or about 4th September, 2012 at Mandinary Village, Kombo North District of the West Coast Region, jointly conspired together to commit felony to with stealing, thereby committed an offence.

On count two, the particular revealed that on the same day and place, the 20 accused persons jointly stole 53 gallons of gas oil, valued at D49,820.00, being the property of Gampetroleum Company, thereby committed an offence.

The case was adjourned to 17th December 2012 for hearing.