Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Managing Director of Techniques Limited, Daryoush Neyestani, testified on Thursday before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, seeking an order compelling Comium GSM to settle a two-year rent payment.

The court records, filed in a lawsuit dated July 5, 2022, reveal that Techniques Limited is demanding $30,000 (equivalent to D1,620,000) in rent arrears covering the period from December 1, 2021, to August 31, 2022. Additionally, the company seeks D150,000 to cover legal fees and related expenses.

Appearing virtually before Principal Magistrate Sallah Mbai, Neyestani testified as the first prosecution witness. He stated under cross-examination by defense counsel Senghore that Techniques Limited leased the property at 27 Kairaba Avenue from the primary landlord, Mrs. Bidwell. Neyestani explained that Techniques Limited then subleased the property to Comium. He affirmed that the company’s lease of the property expired at the end of August 2024, marking the timeframe for which they are demanding rent.

Neyestani clarified that the initial lawsuit included an eviction order against Comium, but this aspect no longer applies since Techniques Limited’s lease has since expired. He emphasized that this suit at the lower court is separate from another case filed at the High Court involving an alleged illegal agreement between Comium and the property’s landlord.

“The suit before the High Court involves the defendant entering into an unauthorized agreement with the landlord and failing to meet their payment obligations, prompting the landlord to take legal action,” Neyestani testified.

Court filings outline that Techniques Limited, a GSM company headquartered at 27 Kairaba Avenue, was Comium’s landlord under a tenancy agreement dated August 3, 2006. The agreement permitted Comium to rent the premises for 15 years. Neyestani asserted that Techniques Limited had legal possession of the property until 2024 and that Comium was fully aware of this arrangement.

Lawyer S. Gaye appeared for Comium GSM, representing the company as the legal battle continues. Further hearings are anticipated as the court deliberates on the claims and counterarguments from both sides.