By Mamat Taal, Banjul.
Following our lead story on President Jammeh’s strained relationship with a certain European business partner, which led to the jailing of Lt. Bakary Camara and others, the Government in a swift reaction over the weekend arrested and hurriedly arraigned Domenico Fedeli in court on Monday, the Freedom Newspaper can authoritatively report. Mr. Fedli who is the latest investor to be harassed by the Government, had his vehicle registration number (BJL 4063B) confiscated, whilst his fate is yet to be decided. Magistrate BY Camara of the Kanifing Magistrates Court Monday denied bail to the accused person, on the grounds that the Italian investor fails to meet the conditions attached to his bail bond. The court had earlier asked Fedeli to provide a Gambian surety, 200,000 dalasis, with two landed properties, before he could be released on bail.
The court heard on Monday that the 49 year old Italian investor conspired with Lt. Bakary Camara, ASP Manlafi Sanyang and others to steal the said contested car from the License office at the Gambia police Head Quarters in Banjul. Fedli was said to have effected the transfer of the vehicle title to his name through the help of the remaining accused persons. But he has denied the charges. He insists that the car in question belongs to him and the President was aware of the paper transaction at the material time.
Court records indicate that the said vehicle was the property of the Kanilai farm, a farm owned by Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh. The court heard that the accused Italian investor stole the car by luring the police to finalizing the car title transfer ownership paperwork.
LT. Bakary Camara who was entrusted with overseeing the President’s Kanilai farm, was given power of attorney by the President to mediate between him the President and the Italian investor. Each time, the Italian investor got stopped at the Denton Bridge for driving a car without relevant papers, he telephoned the state house in Banjul to complain. When the matter became unbearable, instructions were given through the President for Lt. Camara to help the accused to effect the title transfer through Fedli’s name. Bakary just did exactly what he was told to do by the President.
While the business deal reached between Jammeh and the Italian investor is yet to be declassified, reports have it that the two business partners used to enjoy cordial business relationship, until recently when they fall apart. Jammeh had given instructions for the Italian investor to be tried and subsequently jailed, before facing the inevitable deportation.
Days later, the President ordered for the car to be repossessed , a move which attracted a strong resistance from the Italian investor. He informed the NIA who confronted him at the material time that the vehicle was his property and showed them the necessary documentary evidence to proof ownership of the contested car.
The President became mad and ordered for the arrest of all those associated with the car paperwork transfer. A high profile investigations was immediately opened by the National Intelligence Agency led by officer Famara Sandeng.
Mr. Sandeng was dismissed by the President who is the Commander of the agency. Sandeng’s only perceived crime was for failing to recommend for the prosecution of the accused persons. Throughout his findings, there was no compelling evidence established which linked the accused persons to stealing.
Having obtained voluntary and cautionary statements from the accused persons, NIA officer Famara Sandeng in his report said he could not find any adverse evidence against the accused persons, thus forwarding his report to his superiors for further action to be taken. A move which angered the Gambian President. Jammeh reacted by ordering for Sandeng immediate dismissal.
Both LT. Bakary Camara and police ASP Manlafi Sanyang are detained at the Mile Two Prison. Their co accused Modou Lamin Sonko has been released. Reports have it that Sonko who is the Chief Executive officer of the Boto Construction might have reached a plea bargaining deal with the state, with the sole objective of jailing the remaining accused persons.
Our correspondent said he saw Mr. Sonko driving his car in Banjul yesterday. “ Boto looks a happy man and could be seen driving around the city.” said our Correspondent.
Meanwhile, the Italian investor has been remanded at the Mile Two prisons, pending the determination of his car theft case. His inability to provide surety and the necessary conditions attached to his bail bond, landed him in jail.
Appeared in court, the visibly worried looking Italian investor pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the state. The trial continues……
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