Suspect -photo credit: Kexx
The trial of three men accused of staging a violent robbery at the United Vegetable Oil Company on December 31, 2024, resumed with the testimony of the prosecution’s second witness, Muhammed Amulu.
Mr. Amulu, a security guard at the company and resident of Banjul, recounted the events of that night during his testimony before the High Court.
He told the court that on the night of the incident, he had left the company’s premises at Saro Denton Bridge to travel to Banjul to buy food. While there, he received a distressing call from his brother, informing him that the company had been attacked. According to his brother, he had been tied up by the assailants, who also made away with a sum of money.
Upon receiving the news, Mr. Amulu said he immediately returned to Denton Bridge by taxi and informed soldiers stationed there, who then accompanied him to the company premises.
Upon arrival, he observed that the company’s safe had been broken into. The CEO was promptly notified, and the matter was subsequently reported to the police. He further explained that the safe was located inside a small room within the company.
During questioning by state counsel M. Mballow, Mr. Amulu said he noticed a screwdriver left at the scene—an item he believed may have been used during the break-in.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel Alieu Jallow, Mr. Amulu confirmed that he had worked for the company for over a year. He acknowledged knowing the second accused, identified as Jobarteh, who he described as a mechanic who frequently visited the CEO to work on his vehicle. However, he admitted he did not witness the robbery firsthand.
“No, I missed seeing him,” he said, confirming that he was not present during the actual incident. He further conceded that his account of the robbery was based entirely on what his brother had told him.
Defence lawyer E. Sanneh also questioned Mr. Amulu regarding the reported stolen money. The witness confirmed that the money was said to have been taken from a safe located in the CEO’s office—a room to which he had no access. He admitted he could not verify whether money had indeed been stolen.
When reminded of his oath to tell the truth, he responded, “Yes, between me and God, I don’t know” if any money was taken.
Mr. Amulu also confirmed that he did not see any of the three accused individuals at the scene that night. When asked again whether his testimony was based on hearsay, he replied, “Yes, I wasn’t there, and all I said is what I was told.”
During re-examination, prosecutor Mballow sought to clarify the witness’s earlier testimony. Mr. Amulu explained that although he initially relied on information from his brother, he later personally observed signs of a break-in when he arrived at the premises.
The trial has been adjourned to midnight on May 26, 2025.