By Kexx News
High Court Rejects Zoom Testimony Request
The High Court, presided over by Justice Jaiteh, has dismissed an application by Khadijatou Kebbeh to testify virtually via Zoom in the ongoing civil suit filed by GACH Global Trading Company Limited against her and former Gam Petroleum Managing Director, Saikou Drammeh.
GACH Seeks Millions in Recovery
GACH CEO Abubakary Jawara is demanding repayment of over D58.9 million, alongside:
• D58,961,150 allegedly taken for petroleum products
• $221,000 linked to disputed Gam Petroleum transactions
• $1,600 paid to Kebbeh as commission for a petroleum deal in 2021
• D1 million in legal and administrative costs, plus interest
Justice Jaiteh: “Application Unmeritorious”
Justice Jaiteh ruled Kebbeh’s counsel failed to provide credible evidence to justify virtual testimony. The judge stressed that public, in-person hearings are the constitutional norm, and Kebbeh’s affidavit lacked documentary proof of her claims, including:
• No passport or immigration stamp showing residence in Dubai
• No birth certificate or hospital record proving the care of a two-year-old child
• No employment documents confirming work restrictions
Opposition and Legal Findings
While Plaintiff’s counsel supported the application, Saikou Drammeh’s lawyer strongly opposed it. Justice Jaiteh upheld the admissibility of the opposing affidavit, noting that factual denials are valid under the Evidence Act.
Mandatory Court Appearance Ordered
In his final ruling, Justice Jaiteh warned that granting virtual testimony without proof would set a dangerous precedent. He ordered Kebbeh to appear physically in court:
“The 1st defendant SHALL APPEAR in person before this Honourable Court on the next adjourned date to adopt her witness statement and to be cross-examined.”
Picture Credit: Kexx News
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