Defence lawyer for Bubacarr Keita has filed a motion of affidavit to ask the court to set aside its July 7 order which instructed for Keita’s DNA test be taken. 

Lamin S Camara argued that the state had failed to do a DNA tests after almost three years since it started its prosecution.

He said the state should not object to his application to open defence immediately.

“My lord, I respectfully pray to this honourable court to grant prayers 1 & 2 of the motion and sets aside the order of the 7th of July 2022 and orders the applicant to open defence immediately,” he told the court, adding his submission is in the interest of justice.

Camara argued that “one cannot seek a court order and go to sleep while the accused languished in prison”.

He told the court that his application has merit, adding “it doesn’t mean to waste the court’s time” but rather to “facilitate and expedite this case”.

“We respectfully enjoined my lord to grant this application considering prayers 1 & 2. As the court pleases,” he added.

Bob Keita is facing a sexual assault charge after being accused of raping his 15-year-old sister-in-law in 2019 leading to pregnancy. He denied the charge. 

The child at the centre of the rape trial died two weeks ago in neighbouring Senegal in strange circumstances. 

Bob Keita’s ex-wife who was travelling with the child has been arrested over his suspicious death. 

She awaits trial after her extradition from Dakar over the weekend

Reporting by Adama Makasuba