Detective Lamin Cham of the Major Crimes Unit, state witness in the ongoing treason trial for the four civilians alleged to have been involved in the 21 March 2006 foiled coup, was yesterday subjected to vigorous cross examination by the defence counsels.

The four civilians are Tamsir Jasseh, Alieu Jobe, Omar Faal (Keita) and Demba Dem.

In his response to questions from counsels, detective Cham told the court presided over by Justice Anin-yeboah that, before he obtained cautionary statement from the suspects – the 5th accused Tamsir Jasseh, 7th accused Omar Faal (Keita) and 8th accused Demba Dem - he introduced to them the independent witness.

He said he told the independent witness his role in witnessing the obtaining of statements from the suspects.

He testified further that he told the independent witness he might be called as a witness in a court of law.

He then said the independent witness was present when the 5th accused Tamsir Jasseh appeared before the investigating panel on 25 March 2006, adding that the independent witness asked the 5th accused all what happened.

He said he knew the independent witness Babou Loum and his profession as a video operator.

He also admitted that the independent witness did not date the additional statement of the 5th accused.

He told the court that he did not tell the 5th accused of his right to a counsel before the statement was taken, as the accused did not make any complaint, adding that the statements were taken in the presence of an independent witness.

Detective Cham further adduced that the panel was set up to investigate the alleged coup and it was constituted at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

He said the cautionary statements of the 6th accused Alieu Jobe, the 7th accused Omar Faal (Keita) and the 8th accused Demba Dem, were recorded at the NIA office, while the voluntary statements were recorded at Mile 2 State Central prison.

He admitted that the 6th, 7th and 8th suspects had been in custody at the Mile 2 prison since their arrest.

He added that he did not see any order from the court remanding the suspects at Mile 2 State Central prison.

He finally said it was his duty to ensure that cautionary statements of the suspects were taken in the presence of an independent witness, which was what exactly happened.