The case involving Arona Tine, accused of the murder of Fatoumata Kagbo, a staff member of HM Bureau Exchange de Chance, was adjourned to March 11, 2024. The case was brought before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh at the special criminal court after being moved from the magistrate court due to jurisdictional issues.
During the hearing, Counsel Drammeh represented the State, while the accused did not have legal representation. Counsel Drammeh informed the court that the Attorney General’s Chambers had not received the case file from the police to prepare the bill of indictment. Seeking an adjournment, Counsel Drammeh requested time to obtain the necessary documentation from the police.
In response, Justice Jaiteh emphasized the seriousness of the case as a murder and the urgency of prosecuting it. He stressed the importance of the state fulfilling its duties diligently and respecting the rights of the accused. Justice Jaiteh granted the application sought by the state Counsel and adjourned the case to March 11, 2024, for the mentioning of the case.
It could be recalled that Arona Tine was arraigned before Magistrate Principal Sallah Mbye alleged of the Murder of Fatoumata Kagbo of HM Bureau Exchange at Westfield. Principal Magistrate Sallah Mbye remanded the alleged murderer (Arona Tine) pending the appearance at the High Court.
According to the charge sheet, Arona Tine is charged with murder, contrary to Section 187 and punishable under Section 188 of the Criminal Code. The prosecution alleged that on January 19, 2024, at HM Bureau Exchange in Westfield, Kanifing Municipality, Arona Tine, with malice aforethought, caused the death of Fatoumata Kagbo by stabbing her in the chest with a knife.
After the charge sheet was read and interpreted to the accused in Wollof, Superintendent Jammeh informed the court that if found guilty, the accused (Arona Tine) could face a punishment of life imprisonment or death. He then applied for the case to be transferred and for the accused to be remanded.
The accused did not opt for the transfer of the case to the High Court and informed the court that he was only informed of his arraignment that morning and wished to have a lawyer.
In her ruling, Principal Magistrate Mbye said that after considering the prosecution’s application and examining the law, she agreed that the court did not have the jurisdiction to hear the case. As a result, the magistrate ordered the transfer of the case to the special criminal court and also ordered the accused person to be remanded at the State Central Prison (Mile 2) pending the hearing at the High Court.
