In the ongoing civil suit GACH Global Trading Company Limited v. Khadijatou Kebbeh & Saikou Drammeh, a key witness revealed that the second defendant, Saikou Drammeh, received substantial sums of money from the first defendant through an intermediary.
Abdoulie Saine, the second witness (PW2) and a former associate of Drammeh, told the court that Drammeh received €749,965 and $240,000 from Kaddijah Kebbeh via her brother, Huruna Kebbeh, as payment for fuel supplies. According to Saine, Drammeh kept the funds.
During the hearing, a video showing a bag full of euros and dollars was played in court, illustrating the sums allegedly handed over to Drammeh. Saine described the event, saying that on 20 October 2021, around 9–10 a.m., Huruna Kebbeh arrived at Drammeh’s Brufut residence with two bags of cash. Saine recounted that Drammeh opened the bags in his sitting room, took a photograph of the money, and later moved the bags to his office.
“He asked me to record a video while he counted the money on his phone. The total amounted to €749,965 and $240,000,” Saine testified. When questioned about the source of the money, he said Drammeh confirmed it was from Kaddijah Kebbeh for fuel supply.
Saine further identified himself and Drammeh in the video, noting that the hands counting the money belonged to Drammeh, and the proverb spoken in the footage was one frequently used by him.
Legal Objection Overruled
Before Saine’s testimony, counsel for Drammeh, B.S. Conteh, objected to the adoption of Saine’s affidavit, arguing that it was filed on 13 June 2022, several months after the writ of summons was filed on 20 December 2021, in contravention of Order 23 Rule 14(1) and (6) of the civil procedure rules.
Counsel for GACH Global, Ida Drammeh, along with counsel K. Jallow, countered that the affidavit could be adopted, and the witness cross-examined.
Presiding Judge Justice Jaiteh ruled that while the affidavit was not filed on the same date as the writ, it was subsequently served on the second defendant on 20 October 2022, satisfying the procedural requirements. The judge concluded that the purpose of the rule—avoiding surprise and allowing a chance to respond—was met and overruled the objection. Saine was then permitted to adopt his affidavit and undergo cross-examination.
Background of the Suit
The civil suit involves former GACH employee Kaddijatou Kebbeh (1st defendant) and ex-Gam Petroleum managing director Saikou Drammeh (2nd defendant). GACH Global is seeking D58,961,150, alleging fraudulent acquisition and retention by the defendants. The company is also pursuing $221,000, claimed to be fraudulently obtained for petroleum products supplied via the Gam Petroleum Storage Facility, and $1,600 as a commission paid to Kebbeh for facilitating a petroleum agreement dated 16 September 2021.
Additionally, GACH Global seeks D1,000,000 for legal and administrative fees, with interest at 24% from 31 August 2021 until judgment, followed by 4% until full payment.
Full testimony from Abdoulie Saine is expected to continue in the coming hearings.
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