Posted by By Bekai Njie
Abdoulie Saine, earlier today said in his defence before the Banjul Magistrates’ Court that he did not release or publish any audio.
The former National Assembly Member (NAM) for Banjul Central, is being represented by barrister Moses Richards as his defence counsel. He has long been standing trial on incitement of violence by uttering a statement on ‘WhatsApp’ using derogative remarks against the entire Mandingo tribe.
Mr. Saine, testified that he was a National Assembly member of Banjul Central for 10 years and also an ECOWAS Parliamentarian representing The Gambia.
Saine recalled that on 2 September 2018, he received an unknown caller from the deputy commissioner of police, Interpol, saying he has a matter to discuss with him and he was sending one Suso to his house to come with him to the Police Head quarters Banjul.
Lai Saine further said that he asked the deputy commissioner of police why he needs a discussion with him, and the DPC told him it was for his safety. He said he asked him what he had done and the DCP replied because of the audio he published.
“Upon Suso’s arrival, another police officer Ablie Sanneh came and met me at my house; then we left for Serrekunda Highway which is not the way to Banjul Police Headquarters,” he said.
“I took my phone and called Fabakary Tombong Jatta, interim party leader inside the vehicle and explained to him. Then he asked me where they were taking me to and I told him that, they said to the Police Headquarters, but they are heading to the Kombos and Tombong told me that he will find out.”
He added that his phone was taken away by Ablie Sanneh who told him that he was under arrest.
Lai Saine continued that he was taken to Bijilo detention centre and found one officer there who was in charge and Ablie Sanneh told the officer that they wanted to detain him there till the following day.
Saine said he did not go through any process upon his arrival at Bijilo detention center.
The case is adjourned till 12 March 2019 at 2 p.m.