JAMMEH’S DAUGHTER A SUBJECT OF COURT HEARING!!!

NIGERIAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST ACCUSED OF USING MARIAM JAMMEH’S NAME FOR FINANCIAL GAINS

MARIAM EARMARKED FOR A HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD???

A magistrate court in Banjul Wednesday refuses to free a Nigerian Human Rights activist on bail, the Freedom Newspaper can report. Mr. Edwin Nebolisa Nwakaeme, who is the Program Director of the Banjul based “Africa in Democracy, and Good Governance” will have to stay in state custody pending the determination of his case, the court heard Wednesday. Mr. Nwakaeme has been accused of giving out false information to the office of the President—in regards to the legal status of his rights organization. He was said to have deceived the authorities by claiming that his organization is non Governmental Organization, but the  state in an affidavit contends that the accused person’s claims were false.  

Magistrate Hliary Ubeke of the Banjul Magistrate Court dismissed the defense’s request to free the Nigerian rights activist on bail. The accused was remanded in prison yesterday.

Appearing on behalf of the accused person, Human Rights lawyer Assan Martin argues that the charges brought against his client were untenable—given the fact that the President’s office falls under the public domain, and therefore any communication between his client, and the former is in the public’s interest. Martin’s preliminary objection to the prosecution charges, and persistent plea for Edwin to be released on bail was ignored by magistrate Ubeke.

Lawyer Martin had earlier argued that the offence in question was bailable. He said the accused could face a fine of D500 dalasis, which is less than 50 US dollars, or six months imprisonment if found guilty by the court. Martin invoked the constitution to justify his arguments.  He also assured the court that his client would comply with the bail condition if granted.  

Police prosecutor Badjie said the issue of bail is entirely the court's decision. He said it is up to the court to grant, or deny bail to the accused.

Badjie also applied under section 169 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) for an amendment of the particulars of offense which reads: " seek nomination of Ms Mariam Jammeh, daughter of the President of the Republic of The Gambia as ADG's General Ambassador for the World Day [SIC]Celebrations 2009."

The new indictment should now reads"Edwin Nebolisa Nwakaeme sometimes in the Month of March 2010 in the City of Banjul, Republic of the Gambia, you gave false information to the office of the President that African Democracy Organization and Good Governance is a non-governmental organizations, which you know or have reasons to believe to be false."

The President’s daughter Mariam Jammeh was being earmarked for an award by Edwin’s rights organization, but for some reasons, the state house is distancing itself from Edwin. The state is branding Edwin as a deceiver who is using the President’s daughter’s name for financial gains.

Mr. Edwin’s next court appearance has been scheduled for March 22^nd, and 24 respectively. The state also wants the court to order for his deportation if found guilty by the courts.

At the time of his arrest, and subsequent prosecution, Edwin had a pending visa application with the US Embassy in Banjul. The Gambia police Force forwarded a request to the Embassy for Edwin’s  passport to be surrendered, which was accommodated without a problem. Edwin claimed in his visa application form that he was billed to attend an international conference in the US.