Attorneys seek to overturn Musa’s committal to Supreme Court

Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh began hearing of the judicial review of the case of former Prime Minster Said Musa this morning. Attorneys for Musa spent the day submitting their arguments seeking to overturn Musa’s committal to stand trial in the Supreme Court. Musa was charged with the theft of ten million U.S. dollars on December fourth 2008. Their arguments were based on various grounds which included objection to the deposition given by former C.E.O. Amalia Mai who was given full authority and instructions by the former P.M. to act on the behalf of the government. The attorneys also argued that there was wrongful assumption of jurisdiction, that there is not enough evidence to warrant a committal, and so no evidence for a prima facie case. They also relied on the dismissal of a similar charge on former Minister Ralph Fonseca to bolster their arguments. At the close of the hearing today, Lisa Shoman, attorney for Musa, expressed confidence in their case.

Lisa Shoman, Attorney for Said Musa
“We are saying that the prosecution brought forward not only not enough evidence for even a prima facie case, but on the best and strongest reading, of whatever evidence the D.P.P. was choosing to put forward—in fact, all of that evidence tends to exculpate and excuse and bring forward absolutely no accusation against Mr. Musa.”

The hearing has been adjourned until tomorrow, when Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Branker-Taitt will make her submissions.