September 8, 2021
By Audrey John
Following the ongoing preliminary investigation into the alleged arms and ammunitions matter, Mohamed Sannoh on Monday 6th of July 2021 has been cross examined by Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya representing the third accused Honorable Saidu Emmanuel Conteh.
Lawyer L Dumbuya cross-examined customs officer Mohamed Sannoh, Lawyer Dumbuya asked the witness how long have you been working as head of the Anti-smuggling unit; the witness said one year six month he also put it to the witness that if he could recalled one Mr. Massaquoi and Mr. Muana were involved in the alleged investigation of the arms and ammunitions matter; the witness responded yes he could recalled. Lawyer Dumbuya said to the witness that if he have any doubt about their participation in their investigation of the said matter counsel objected that the question is not relevant Lawyer Dumbuya refrain his question and said to the witness that you are a witness in matter and all accused persons are witnesses to this alleged incident also the witness responded yes.
Defense counsel also asked the witness at what time the witness went to the said vehicle; the witness said he cannot recall.
Lawyer Dumbuya asked the witness when the first time he saw the third accused was; the witness said at the time they went to Mr. Massaquoi office.
Lansana Dumbuya asked the witness that the third accused was not part of the searching of the vehicle and the witness said yes the third accused was not present when the alleged vehicle was searched.
Defense counsel said to the witness that before the third accused came to Mr. Massaqoui`s office the alleged arms and ammunitions have already been counted; the witness responded that they were counting and then the third accused arrived at the office of Mr. Massaquoi.
Lawyer Dumbuya said that before the alleged arms and ammunitions did you see any documents pertaining to the container as head of the Anti-smuggling unit the witness said they have paper less systems.
Lawyer Dumbuya asked as head your department did you check what was in the system as you early stated; the witness said he did not checked the system even though I have access to the system.
Lawyer Dumbuya said to the witness if he knew that Mr. Sheriff is the agent and the consignee Aruna Rahim the witness responded that someone told him.
Defense counsel put it to the witness that there is nothing in the system as against the third accused the witness said i have not gone through the system. Lawyer Dumbuya said as per your investigation do you think that it was prudent to check the system; the witness said I have not gone in to the system. Lawyer Dumbuya said since you did not go into the system if I suggest that the third accused name is not in the system; the witness said he had not checked the system.
Lawyer Dumbuya said if I also suggest to you that the third accused name is not on the bail of laden, invoice and delivering order the witness said again I have not gone through the system.
The matter was adjourned to the 8th of September 2021 for further hearing.