The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court has warned that a bench warrant could be issued if 23 people charged in connection with an alleged unlawful protest over mobile data prices fail to appear at the next sitting.

The case, IGP v. 23 Accused Persons, was scheduled to continue but the proceedings were stalled after none of the accused persons or their lawyer showed up in court.

The prosecution, citing the absence, applied for a bench warrant to compel the accused to attend.

However, the court held back, granting what it described as a final chance for the defendants to appear voluntarily.

The magistrate ruled that if the accused persons fail to attend the next sitting, the application for a warrant may be revisited.

By Adama Makasuba