Civil Society group Team Gom-Sa-Bopa (Believe in Yourself) Monday described the arson charge preferred against its president Ali Cham alias Killa Ace as false and bad faith.
At a press conference, the group argued that the activist and rap musician was not present at the demonstration in July where angry youths allegedly set fire on the house of Gorgi Mboob, the head of the police anti-crime unit.
The protesters were reacting to the death of Ousman Darboe, a Sierra Leonean businessman in Serekunda market who was alleged to have been tortured while under the police custody – leading to his death, days after his release.
His lawyer, Patrick Gomez confirmed to journalists on Monday that his client was arrested in connection with the July protest, arguing that the charges were brought by the police in ‘bad faith’, and claiming ‘abuse of process.’
He said the prosecutors have applied for the transfer of the case to the High Court in Banjul from Kanifing Magistrate Court and the ruling is due on Tuesday.
In a press statement, the group contested that the accused persons should be granted bail since they are not at ‘flight risk.’
“Hence, what would be the justification for detaining them at remand? It appears that some of the arrestees, particularly Ali Cham AKA Killa Ace are being made scapegoats because of their outspoken stance against the notorious Anti-Crime Unit…”
