Social Security Boss’ Economic Crime Case Struck Out

Acting Principal Magistrate has struck out the criminal case of Mr. Edward Graham, former Managing Director of Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) accused of economic crime after the state insisted to withdraw the charges.

Mr. Graham, barely few minutes before entering in the dock was facing four charges of economic crimes; for directing the payment of D880, 250.00 without necessary collaterals and on terms detrimental to the economy of The Gambia.

“We are not objecting” said Madam Bensouda, defense for the accused “and I would like to commend the prosecutor for that.”

Mr. Graham was discharged by the Banjul Magistrates’ Court and his bail bond was given back after the defense applied for his discharge.

Until his discharg no witness has given evidence against Mr. Graham before the court since his appearance in court January 6, 2011. He was denied bail and was remanded until January 20 when he appeared in court, but his lawyer was unable to secure him bail as the investigation was still ongoing.

According to count one of the charge sheet, Edward Graham in 2009 at Banjul corruptly abused his office to writ, directed Home Finance Company Ltd to pay the sum of D880,250.00 to Marie Saine Firdaus without the necessary collateral, contrary to section 5 (g) of the Economic Crimes (specified offences) in Decree 1994.

Count two indicates that on or about September 2, 2010 at Banjul within the jurisdiction of the court, being a citizen of The Gambia caused financial loss to SSHFC, a public body by waiving interest on mortgages in breach of the Housing Finance and Development Corporation Act 2010, contrary to section 5 (a) of the Economic Crimes (specified offences) in Decree 1994.

Count three states that Mr. Graham in 2009 being the Managing Director of SSHFC willfully caused loss to Home Finance Company Ltd, a public body by directing it to grant a loan to Marie Saine Firdaus in a manner and on terms detrimental to the economy of The Gambia, contrary to section 5 (a) of the Economic Crimes specified offences in Decree 1994.

Count four added that Marie Saine Firdaus in 2009 at Banjul, being a citizen of The Gambia collaborated with Edward Graham, Managing Director of SSHFC to intentionally and corruptly obtain the sum of D880, 250.00 from Home Finance Company Ltd in a manner and on terms detrimental to the economy of The Gambia, contrary to section 5 (h) of the Economic Crimes specified offences in Decree 1994.