(JollofNews) – A former Gambian member of parliament who dumped President Yahya Jammeh’s ruling party for the newly formed opposition Gambia Democratic Congress was Monday given a D500,000 bail by a local magistrate in Banjul after pleading not guilty to theft.
Tina Faal was arrested last week by the police as part of investigations into the sale of aeroplane parts. The plane formerly belonged to Malian tycoon and associate of President Jammeh, Babanding Futanka Sissoho and is rusting away at the Banjul International Airport since it was impounded by a court order.
State prosecutors said sometime between 2014 and 2016, Ms Faal with intent to defraud and steal, conspired with Babanding Futanka Sissoho and sold various parts of a Boeing 727-234SM2216-55v TPA aircraft to one Alhagie Omar Keita, being the property of O’ Corporation Company Ltd.
Prosecutors said Ms Faal had sold the aircraft when she ‘fully knew or had reasons to believe’ that the said flight was already sold by the Sheriff of the Gambia by way of public auction to O’ Corporation Company Ltd.
Tina Faal was a former closed associate of the Gambian regime and staunch supporter of President Jammeh. And as a reward for her loyalty and support, she was nominated as member of parliament by Mr Jammeh whom she once described as a visionary and patriotic leader.
Her ex-husband served as Attorney General and minister for Justice of the Gambia while her daughter worked as welfare officer at the Gambian High Commission in London.
The case continues.
