Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The high-profile corruption trial of The State vs. Alagie Kebbeh resumed today at the Banjul High Court, with Justice Ebrima Jaiteh issuing a stern reminder on the necessity of following due process in presenting public documents as evidence.

The day’s proceedings began with testimony from the prosecution’s fifth witness, Morr AK Secka, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment.

Secka was called to present documentary evidence against the accused. However, the trial was momentarily stalled when it emerged that the documents submitted were only photocopies and had not been certified in accordance with legal standards.

Justice Jaiteh immediately intervened, declaring that uncertified photocopies could not be admitted as evidence. “Photocopies cannot be accepted as evidence unless duly certified,” he ruled, underscoring the court’s insistence on procedural correctness and evidentiary authenticity.

With the defense lawyer absent, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested a brief adjournment to facilitate the certification of the documents.

The court granted the request and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. During the resumed session, the DPP confirmed that the documents had been properly certified, allowing the court to proceed. Justice Jaiteh then formally discharged PS Secka from the witness box.

The trial was subsequently adjourned to June 11 and June 19 at 1:00 p.m., when the sixth prosecution witness, Assan Jallow, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, is expected to provide his evidence-in-chief.

The case against Alagie Kebbeh, a former senior official, continues to draw public attention as part of broader efforts to combat corruption and enforce transparency in public service.