Africa-Press – Gambia. The civil lawsuit between Gach Global Trading Company and defendants Kaddijatou Kebbeh and Saikou Drammeh continued before Justice Jaiteh with a tense and probing cross-examination of the plaintiff’s chief executive officer, Abubakary Jawara.
Representing the defence, Counsel B.S. Conteh launched a rigorous cross-examination, focusing on past financial dealings, legal disputes, and personal connections between Jawara and one of the defendants. The proceedings were marked by contentious exchanges and legal objections, reflecting the high stakes involved.
Jawara, CEO of Gach Global, is seeking to recover over D58.9 million allegedly misappropriated by the defendants. The claim accuses Kebbeh—a former employee—and Drammeh—former Managing Director of Gam Petroleum—of fraudulently obtaining and unlawfully withholding D58,961,150 intended for petroleum product transactions.
In addition to the principal claim, Gach Global is also pursuing the recovery of $221,000, which the company alleges was wrongfully paid for petroleum supplies delivered through the Gam Petroleum Storage Facility. Furthermore, the plaintiff is demanding repayment of $1,600 allegedly paid to Kebbeh as commission for facilitating a petroleum deal in September 2021. The total claim includes a further D1 million in legal and administrative costs, with interest accruing until full settlement.
During the cross-examination, Counsel Conteh attempted to introduce and read from previous court records. This approach drew immediate objections from opposing counsel.
Counsel I. Drammeh objected to the use of a document not yet tendered as evidence, arguing that it had not received prior clearance from the court. Counsel K. Jallow, representing the second accused, supported the objection.
Justice Jaiteh upheld the concern and directed Counsel Conteh to adhere to proper procedures. Subsequently, the court granted permission for the video recording of the previous proceedings to be played in court, allowing the matter to proceed.
Counsel Conteh requested the court to play a specific segment of a recording in which Jawara stated, “After I showed the video of the money on social media, I said it might be my money.
Upon video playback, Jawara was heard saying, “After I saw the video of the money on social media, I said it might be my money, and I called Abdoulie Dibba and later confirmed the money was mine.”
Counsel B.S. Conteh: What do you say in the video is ‘it may be my money’?
Jawara: When I saw the video, and before I confirmed I had done my findings, I contacted Abdoulie Dibba.
Counsel B.S. Conteh (interjecting): “I want the witness to answer that specifically, as on the court records. I want confirmation on whether he said the money might be his and stop there.”
Counsel Ida Drammeh for the plaintiff objected. “My lord, Counsel cannot compel the witness to say what he wants him to say. He has a right to respond. Let him be allowed to answer the question.”
Conteh stood firm. “My lord, with due respect. I request that counsel allow me to proceed with my cross-examination. The witness is my witness. They had ample time with the witness, and I didn’t interfere. Let me proceed.”
Counsel K. Jallow, representing the first defendant, Khaddijah Kebbeh, also objected, citing fairness and decorum. “My Lord, with all due respect, I do not believe Mr. Conteh is being fair to the witness. The witness is being questioned about what was seen and heard in a video. Although I represent the first defendant, I have a duty to this Court to ensure fairness. The witness has the right to clarify the context, not merely give a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. It would be unfair to limit him in such a way.”
Counsel B.S. Conteh maintained: “Since the witness mentioned this in the video, I must question him about it. I only want confirmation that the witness said the money might be his. My Lord, I want my learned friends to give me space to continue. They questioned the witness without interference from me, so now they should extend the same courtesy. The witness must be asked and must answer my questions, not theirs. He is my witness,”
Senior Counsel Ida Drammeh responded: “With respect, counsel asked a question, even if it seems straightforward, the witness has a right to answer it in full. You cannot dictate the answer. Let the witness complete his response.”
Justice Jaiteh intervened to maintain order: “Once the witness has responded, the statement becomes part of the record,” he said. However, before the Judge concluded his remarks, Counsel Conteh interrupted: “I have to put it to him that he is lying to this Honorable Court.”
When Counsel Conteh accused the witness of lying, the judge cautioned him sternly: “We must be very careful with the language we use in court. If you insult him and he pays back. Decorum must be upheld. Are you the one to compel the witness, or is it the Court? Everything said here is being recorded.”
B.S. Conteh: That’s not the answer to my question. I want you to limit it to ‘it may be my money’ and nothing more. It is confirmed in the video that you said that.
Jawara: It is part of my explanation.
Conteh then redirected his questioning to Jawara’s professional background:
B.S. Conteh: Is it correct that you’re the CEO of Gach?
Jawara: “Yes.”
B.S. Conteh: “How long have you been in the business?”
Jawara: “Since 1994.”
B.S. Conteh: “Do you import goods into the country?
Jawara: Yes, I have a tomato factory.”
B.S. Conteh: “How do you make a payment
Jawara: “I make payment through the bank.”
Discussion turned to a past agreement between Gach Global and Gampetroleum.
B.S. Conteh: “Did you sign a truth Put agreement with Gampetroleum?”
Jawara: “Yes.”
B.S. Conteh: “Can I have the agreement (exhibit P1) and did you sign exhibit P1?”
Jawara: “Yes, it’s my signature.”
B.S. Conteh: “Can you look at the document on page and tell the court what the mode of payment is?”
Jawara: “Benefitancy Bank to GTBank.”
B.S. Conteh: “Is it correct that such payment should be made into the bank account in GTBank?”
Jawara: “No, this is different from the money in question is separate from the stolen money.”
The cross-examination took a contentious turn when Counsel Conteh asked: “Are you in a romantic relationship with the first defendant (Khaddija Kebbeh)?”
Jawara responded: “I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
Counsel Conteh clarified he meant a love relationship, prompting immediate objections from both Drammeh and Jallow.
“My Lord, the first defendant’s name is being linked to a romantic relationship. We vehemently oppose this line of questioning. It is shocking that such a question comes from a learned senior counsel. Romantic relationships are not referenced anywhere in the pleadings. We are bound to address only what is pleaded. My Lord, with all due respect, there must be decorum at the Bar. Counsel B.S. stood up and started talking. Counsel K. Jallow indicates to the court that when a counsel is on their feet, others must wait until they have concluded, and Counsel Conteh is interjecting.
When Conteh attempted to respond, Justice Jaiteh warned:
Counsel K. Jallow continued: “If this romantic matter is not pleaded, it is improper, unfair, and unprofessional to bring it before the Court. We are not only rejecting the question, but we strongly caution counsel against repeating it.”
As Counsel B.S. Conteh attempted to respond again, Justice Jaiteh intervened once again. “Counsel B.S. Conteh, please wait. We must maintain order and decorum. You cannot rise and speak whenever you choose. I do not want to cite you for contempt. You must not speak without leave of the Court, or you must have respect for the authority.”
The judge then ruled: “I have heard the arguments regarding whether the plaintiff has a romantic relationship with the first defendant. Counsel for the first defendant objected, and counsel for the plaintiff supported that objection. Counsel for the second defendant argued he should be permitted to ask the question, as it was previously asked in a criminal matter.”
“However, this is a civil case, not a criminal trial. The evidence must relate strictly to what is pleaded. The issue of romance and the personal life of the witness are not admissible in these proceedings. Under these circumstances, the objection is sustained, and the question is overruled.”
Despite the ruling, Conteh persisted: “I’m putting it to you that you’re in love with the first defendant and that’s why you gave her 58 million dalasi in cash to impress her.”
Counsel Jallow again objected to the use of the word “love,” but Justice Jaiteh overruled the objection and instructed the witness to respond.
Jawara: “No, that’s not true.”
Conteh proceeded to reference earlier criminal proceedings involving Saikou Drammeh and Lamin Gassama.
B.S. Conteh: “Are you aware that this case was tried as a criminal matter in the High Court in 2023?”
Jawara: “Yes, I’m aware that the Government took the matter to court.”
B.S. Conteh: “Are you not a witness in that matter?”
Jawara: “Yes, I’m.”
B.S. Conteh: “And you testify?”
Jawara: “Yes.”
B.S. Conteh: “So, you testify regarding your money?”
Jawara: “Yes, I testify.”
B.S. Conteh: “And the accused person was acquitted and discharged on a, no case to answer’ without entering the witness box on all the economic charges and including your claims?”
Jawara: “That’s your opinion.”
B.S. Conteh: “The court rejected all your claims of theft against the second defendant (Saikou Drammeh).”
Jawara: “That’s your opinion.”
B.S. Conteh: “I’m putting it to you, had the second defendant taken your money, he would be convicted.”
Jawara: “That’s left to the court.”
B.S. Conteh: “The government took you to court, and you brought Saikou Drammeh into the matter through third-party proceedings. When Gampetroleum pursued a civil claim in the High Court, you included Saikou Drammeh in a third-party notice. Is that correct?”
Jawara: “It is a legal document, and my counsel can answer.”
B.S. Conteh: “Your lawyer brought Saikou Drammeh into the case as a third-party proceeding.”
As proceedings neared the end of the day, the court adjourned the matter to October 12, 29, and 30, 2025, for continued hearings.
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