In the Fishrot corruption case, Judge Moses Chinengo has dismissed the jurisdiction challenge brought under Section 317 of the Criminal Procedure Act by the accused, former Justice Minister Sackey Shangala.

The judge accused Shangala and his co-accused of delaying the case through multiple applications and postponements, which he stated amount to an abuse of court processes.

Judge Chinengo ordered that the submission of pleas continue and that the case be addressed in good faith, despite the jurisdiction challenges questioning the legitimacy of his appointment to the case.

He noted that review applications could be handled by another court while the case proceeds, and if that court finds his appointment to be irregular, then all matters he has dealt with would be annulled.

The judge remarked that the accused had not provided sufficient grounds for their application to postpone the proceedings.

Judge Chinengo also cited numerous applications filed by the accused, particularly regarding his appointment, which he reminded Shangala had been dismissed by both himself and the Supreme Court.

The case has been postponed to February 4, 2025.