The murder case against Momodou Bah, also known as “Area,” could not proceed at the High Court today after it emerged that the accused lacked legal representation.
When the case was called, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions E.R. Durgan appeared for the state, while Momodou Bah appeared unrepresented. Presiding Judge Justice S.K. Jobarteh confirmed that her office had now received the Bill of Indictment filed by the state.
Justice Jobarteh then asked Momodou Bah whether he had a lawyer. In response, he stated that his previous lawyer had passed away, and he had been unable to secure another. Justice Jobarteh asked again whether he wished to have the services of a lawyer, and Bah confirmed that he would.
In her ruling, Justice Jobarteh noted that since Bah is charged with murder, a capital offence, and cannot secure the services of counsel on his own, the state is required to provide him with legal representation. She directed that a copy of the order be served on the Executive Secretary of the National Agency for Legal Aid, who is to provide Bah with legal representation before the next adjourned date.
Justice Jobarteh further ordered that the National Agency for Legal Aid be served with a copy of the order and the Bill of Indictment ahead of that date. The case was adjourned to Thursday, 9th July 2026, at 12:00 noon, for plea taking.
Momodou Bah is accused of stabbing university youth leader Ba Yunusa Mbye with a bottle on the neck at Fajara on 15th June 2026, causing his death. He faces a charge of murder contrary to Section 155 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
