The criminal case against Kanimang Bajo, the proprietor of Ejabah Travel Agency, is expected to resume today before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court following repeated adjournments over the prosecution’s request for more time to complete investigations and prepare its witnesses.

Bajo is facing one count of obtaining money by false pretence after allegedly collecting D68.69 million from hundreds of intending Hajj pilgrims on the pretext of facilitating their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The case was last adjourned after prosecutors informed the court that they needed additional time to investigate outstanding issues and prepare more than 100 witnesses expected to testify.

During the previous sitting, the prosecution pleaded with the court to grant it “one more chance” to conclude its investigations before the trial proceeds.

Defence lawyer M.L. Ceesay opposed the application, arguing that the repeated delays violated his client’s constitutional right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time.

Citing Section 25 of the 1997 Constitution, he submitted that the prosecution had already been directed by the court on 15 June to assemble its witnesses and proceed with the case but had failed to do so.

Counsel Ceesay urged the court to dismiss the matter, arguing that the prosecution had not exercised due diligence in pursuing the case.

In her ruling, Magistrate A. Manneh granted the prosecution’s request for another adjournment, citing the magnitude of the alleged fraud and the large number of witnesses expected to testify.

However, the magistrate issued a final warning to the prosecution, making it clear that the court would not entertain further delays on the same grounds.

She indicated that if similar reasons were advanced at the next hearing, the court could be compelled to consider the defence’s application.

The matter is scheduled to resume today, at 1:00 p.m, when the court is expected to determine whether the prosecution is ready to proceed with its case.

By Adama Makasuba