Saja Juwara, an Assistant Registrar at the Banjul magistrate court has been arrested for hit and run after leaving his accident victim in an unconscious stage, Freedom Newspaper can reveal. The court official was traveling from the Kombos this past Sunday to Basse, when he knocked down a child in Wellingaraba village, in the Lower River Region (LRR). Saja Juwara, the son of Bata Juwara, a former Chief of Protocol in Jammeh’s rule, proceeded with his journey. He never stopped to check on the child he knocked down with his vehicle.

The aggrieved villagers then phoned the Bureng police station to inform them about the hit and run driver on the loose. When Juwara arrived in Bureng, he refused to stop, he evaded the police checkpoint, and headed towards Pakaliba, a nearby village. He was finally stopped by the military, who had mounted a checkpoint on the road.

When stopped by the military, Saja Juwara was alleged to have lied to the soldiers by falsely claiming to be a judge. He was rescued by his Police Commissioner friend Kaimeta Sambou, who prevailed on the soldiers to let him go. He was released.

Saja Juwara’s case later got to the attention of IGP Mamout Jobe. The IGP was reported to have ordered for Juwara’s arrest, and subsequent charging.

Juwara has been released on bail. He is likely going to stand trial in Mansakonko.

Assistant Registrar Saja Juwara sometimes work at the Basse High court. He is a close buddy of Justice Landing Sanneh.

The police spokesman Superintendent Lamin Njie was contacted for comment, but his cellular phone was off. He could not be reached for comment.

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: ASSISTANT COURT REGISTRAR, WHO LIED TO THE PAKALIBA CHECKPOINT SOLDIERS THAT HE IS A JUDGE, HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT IN WELLINGARABA VILLAGE, LRR! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The Gambian state has charged three senior police officers after been accused of extorting two million dalasis (D2million) and 2 kilogram of cocaine from drug suspects, Freedom Newspaper can report. Samba Sowe, station officer of the Wellingara police station, his assistant Nuha Camara, and detective Gibril Jammeh have been charged and released on bail. The high-profile case is pending at the Budung High Court.

The police spokesman Superintendent Lamin Njie has confirmed the story. “The case is currently under trials at the Bundung magistrates court. Kind regards,” Njie said in a Whatsapp response to our journalistic query.

Njie wouldn’t comment further on the nature of the charges proffered against the accused officers.

In a subsequent message Spokesman Njie said: “Yes the Officers were charged along with the civilians.. for case file details let me check with the Prosecutors tomorrow insha Allah.”.

A highly placed source said the charged officers are standing trial at the Bundung High Court and not the magistrate court as implied by the police spokesman. Our source also said the case in question is being handled by Justice Ministry, and not the police.

“The prosecution of this case is being handled by the state. The accused persons: Samba Sowe, Nuha Camara and Gibril Jammeh were have been charged and granted bail. They have made their first court appearance at the Bundung magistrate court. Details of this case are sketchy, few people are aware of this high-profile case,” said our source.

The three charged Wellingara officers have been indicted. They have been suspended from the force, pending the determination of their criminal case.

The charged Detective officer Gibiril Jammeh was a former prison officer. He was transferred to the police during Jammeh’s rule. He used to work at the police Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU). He was later transferred to the Wellingara station, where he worked as an Assistant Station Officer, until his recent indictment.

The Wellingara police drug case happened in April. The alleged corrupt officers are now having their day in court.

Below is an incident report, we received from reliable source:

…………………………….

Incident Report!

Banta Sosseh together with one Senegalese, two Guinea  Bissau nationals were raided at a residence in Willingara West Coast Region by Officers of Willingara Police Station. During the raid, the police found on the suspects two million Dalasis in cash and 2kg of cocaine. The suspects were brought to Willingara police station for processing, unfortunately that was not done.

After few hours Banta Sosseh wanted to get some food for dinner, and he was allowed by the officers in charge to get some food. Banta didn’t return for few hours and the his partners in crime were released without been processed.

The Senegalese guy called Banta Sosseh on his phone to protest why he left them at the police station? Banta responded that he was out to get some food and he is returning to the station, he indeed did as he promised.

Upon his return to the station he didn’t find his partners, 2kg Cocaine and two million Dalasis at the police station. He protested at the station that he owned the money because he was buying the cocaine.
He was never detained or processed, became frustrated he reported the matter to the police headquarters.

Station Officer Samba Sowe was in charge!
Officer Grey has left the country.

The post Gambia: Breaking News: WELLINGARA S/O, HIS ASSISTANT, AND DETECTIVE OFFICER CHARGED WITH EXTORTING D2M AND 2KG OF COCAINE FROM GAMBIAN, BISSAU AND SENEGALESE DRUG DEALERS! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

A Banjul Councillor said he suspects that his brother, who was fleeing from police arrest after been busted with some cannabis (drugs), was allegedly shot and killed by an eleven-man team patrolling police officers. The alleged incident happened this past Saturday, just outside the riverside along Bunroad Banjul. Pa Ceesay, Councillor for Banjul Newtown, speaking in a phone interview with Freedom Newspaper said, his brother was reported missing the next day Sunday. Councillor Ceesay had made repeated phone calls on Matarr Ceesay’s cellular phone, but he said, he couldn’t get hold of his brother. His brother Matarr Ceesay, was today (Friday) found lying dead just outside the riverside, along Bunroad Banjul. A deep wound was seen on the stomach of the decomposed body of Matarr Ceesay. Councillor Ceesay says he suspects that his brother was either shot or stabbed by the patrolling officers.

The deceased’s body was recovered today at the Bunroad riverside, just outside the mangroves. His body has been taken to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital for post-mortem. The family now awaits the outcome of the post-mortem report.

According to Councillor Pa Ceesay, his late brother Matarr Ceesay, had earlier borrowed a vehicle from a mechanic called “Chanina” to help transport weed from Casamance for one of his friends Nyanga. He said Matarr was supposed to pick up the weed at Bunroad, along the riverside, but unfortunately for Matarr, he met with some police officers at the said location. He added that when the police raided them, Matarr and others ran towards the sea.

“I was told by one of the police officers that Matarr and others might sustain injury. I told him that I was interested in seeing my brother. It was today that we found his body at the outskirt of Bunroad, along the riverside. His body was decomposed. There was deep wound on his stomach. I was also told that there was another person who also might have died during the police raid. But we didn’t see his body. I suspect that my brother was shot by the police” he said.

The late Matarr Ceesay had left a wife and four kids behind.

The police spokesman Superintendent Lamin Njie was contacted for comment. When asked whether it was true that two Banjul youths were shot and killed by the patrolling officers, and this is what he had to say: “Am following up on the situation, waiting for feedback.”

Superintendent Njie has promised to update us with details later.

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: TWO BANJUL YOUTHS SHOT AND KILLED, OUTSIDE THE BUNROAD RIVERSIDE OVER ALLEGED DRUG TRAFFICKING; BANJUL COUNCILLOR PA CEESAY SAYS HIS BROTHER MATARR CEESAY WAS AMONG THOSE KILLED! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The Director of Press at the President’s Office Amie Bojang Sissoho has confirmed the bee attack, which occurred in Kerewan, while President Barrow was there to inaugurate projects in that region of The Gambia. She said she and the President were in the residence when the incident happened.  She says the President is safe and well.

Speaking to the Freedom Newspaper in a phone interview late Saturday evening, Mrs. Sissoho said, some people have been hospitalized because of the bee attack. She couldn’t tell us as to how many people were hospitalized.

When asked asked about the President’s whereabouts, she said: “The President is here going home. We just crossed from Barra and we are going home. ”

She then asked this reporter, if he could hear the President’s motorcade silent on the background.

She has denied that the President was rushed to Farafenni to save his life.

She ran into laughter when asked whether it was true that President Barrow was rushed to Farafenni, when the bees attacked his entourage.

“Ha, ha. That is not true. You can hear the silence  just around the State House,” she said.

Mrs. Sissoho said she was not present when the bees attacked the entourage. She couldn’t give a firsthand account about what transpired.

“Really I cannot tell because I was not there when it happened, so it was after that when I was asking about somebody and they said the person was taken to the Farafenni because the bees attacked them. We were in the residence. This happened outside the residence,” she told me.

Further asked whether there was any reason for the public to be alarmed or worried, in response she said: ” No I don’t think so, because actually, honestly, as far as I know almost everybody is gone now, we just crossed and others are waiting to cross.  I have to go now because we are going inside.”

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: KEREWAN BEE ATTACK: PRESIDENT BARROW IS SAFE AND WELL- DIRECTOR OF PRESS TELLS FREEDOM NEWSPAPER appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The Ceesay family has decided to withdraw a police complaint that they filed at the Banjul police, following the death of their loved one Matarr Ceesay. Matarr was alleged to have been shot and killed around Bondroad, along the riverside, about a week ago. But the family now said Matarr died because of drowning. They are treating his death as a natural cause.  

“That I am the despondent herein to this affidavit. That the above named Matarr Ceesay got drown in the sea along Bond road which resulted in his untimely death. The case was reported to the Banjul police Headquarters and after discussion with other members of the family, we hereby agreed to withdraw the case which involved the said Matarr Ceesay. That I hereby give my information and voluntary consent to declare that I have withdraw the case at the Banjul police station on behalf of the family,” Omar Ceesay, a brother to the late Matarr Ceesay stated in an affidavit.

“That I on behalf of the family want to have this chapter closed and withdraw the case unconditionally believing is the will of God. That acting on behalf of the family and with full consent of the family, I hereby make this affidavit to declare and withdraw the case. That I make the above declaration in support of this affidavit,” Omar Ceesay added.

The late Matarr Ceesay’s body was handed to his family for decent burial. Ceesay had left a wife and four kids behind.

Banjul Newtown Councillor Pa Ceesay was contacted to shed light on the authenticity of the affidavit purporting to contain his brother’s signature. He picked up the call, but never uttered a word when we tried to engage him into a conversation. A second call to his line, showed that his phone was off.

The affidavit published below purporting to have contained Omar Ceesay’s signature, was forwarded to us by an anonymous concerned citizen. We are yet to receive the details of the postmortem report on the death of Matarr Ceesay.

Below is a statement issued by the police prior to the family’s move to withdraw Matarr’s case.

………………………………………..

INVESTIGATION ON A DEAD BODY FOUND ALONG THE MANGROVE SWAMPS IN BANJUL

The Office of the Inspector General of Police wishes to inform the public that, it has opened investigations into circumstances surrounding the incident of a single dead body found along the mangroves of Banjul on the 25th September 2020.

The body was later identified as Matar Ceesay, 37 years old male of no. 14 McDonald Street in Banjul.

Preliminary investigations revealed that, the found body is linked to an incident reported by the Police Patrols in Banjul dated 19th September 2020.

The report indicates that during routine patrols in Banjul and its surroundings, the Police came across a vehicle with registration number BJL 2597 H, around Bond road.

As they approached the vehicle two individuals were seen from a distance running into the mangroves and swimming away. The officers pursued but lost track of them.

Police officers returned to the vehicle and a search was conducted. They recovered 56 kilos of suspected cannabis wrapped in bundles. An additional unspecified amount of suspected cannabis was also recovered in another bag inside the vehicle. The vehicle and the suspected cannabis were then taken to the Police Station and a case file opened for further investigations.

Karim Jabbie alias Chana, a mechanic by profession was later arrested in connection to the incident and Usaman Rahman owner of the vehicle was also arrested. They were later handed to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency as it was a suspected drug related matter .

Police probe further established that, it was Matar Ceesay (deceased) and one Njaga whose whereabouts is yet to be established, who ran into the mangroves leaving the vehicle and suspected cannabis behind.

The found body of Matar Ceesay has been sent to the EFSTH mortuary for further examination to establish cause of death.

The Public is assured that the matter will be investigated and the outcome communicated to the public.

The usual support and cooperation of the public is highly solicited. The public is encouraged to share information that maybe useful to the investigation.

From Lamin Njie police spokesman

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: CEESAY FAMILY WITHDRAWS THE DEATH CASE OF MATARR CEESSAY FROM THE POLICE; SAYS HE DIED OF DROWNING! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

A Brikama woman, who is helping the police to investigate the “mysterious” death of her late husband, has traveled to the United States.  Jarai Ceesay is the widow wife of the late Foday Bah, of Brikama Jamisa. Her 80 year old late husband Foday Bah was found dead in a well at their home.  The incident happened a day after the celebration of the Muslim feast Tobaski. She has traveled to the States without the knowledge of The Gambian police, Freedom Newspaper can reveal. Even though Foday’s death was initially treated as a suspected suicide, that never stopped the police from summoning his  widow wife and the kids for questioning.

While the police investigation into the old man’s death is pending, his ex-wife Jarai Ceesay has reportedly left the country for the United States. She was allowed to leave Banjul despite, the pending investigations into the death case of her late husband.

She was never charged. But sources said she should have waited until the police cleared her to leave the country.

Ms. Ceesay is said to be seeking medical treatment in the United States. She has a brother living in the United States.

The relationship between the couple wasn’t cordial, according to sources.

“There is a report that there was a problem between them until the man had to leave the compound. Elders came to settle the problem and the old man returned home. That was two weeks before Tobaski. After Tobaski he was dead. Neighbors and nearly all those who knew the old man did not believe it was suicide,” said one of our sources.

Many couldn’t believe that the old man would jump into the well and kill himself. They have ruled out the issue of suicide.

“The son Musa Bah said he got up at 4AM that night and went out of his house to smoke then he saw his father’s walking stick near the well. He said he then took the stick inside his house. In the morning, his mother went to greet the old man, but he was not in the house even though his phone was. The son Musa then told his mother that last night he found his father’s walking stick near the well. Then the woman went to look inside the well and she found her husband inside the well. Fire service was called to remove him. He was already dead,” our source added.

The old man, said our source, has a son living in overseas. According to what I am told, our source continued, this guy does not believe his father committed suicide.

“The question is did he jump into the well or was he killed and dumped inside the well? Why is the woman in such a haste to leave the Gambia less than two months after this tragic death? Why would an old man of more than 80 years kill himself? What information did the police gather from the case? Are the police aware she has already left the country?” our source curiously asked.

Efforts to reach the police spokesman Superintendent Lamin Njie proved futile. The police command in Brikama, could also not be reached for comment.

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: BRIKAMA WOMAN, WHO IS HELPING THE POLICE IN INVESTIGATING HER LATE HUSBAND’S MYSTERIOUS DEATH, SECRETLY LEFT THE GAMBIA FOR THE UNITED STATES! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The famous “Gambian semester boy” Lamin Kinteh, who recently accused the anti crime Commander Gorgi Mboob of allegedly extorting D14 million dalasis, from him, has been arrested and charged with obtaining money by false pretense, Freedom Newspaper can authoritatively report. Kinteh had earlier claimed that the D14 million dalasis in question was in the possession of his grand marabout one Mr. Touray, which he says had later landed in the hands of Mr. Mboob. The police investigators later found out that he was lying. Kinteh was booked by the Banjul police on Tuesday. He spent hours at the police cells before he was released on bail around 3:00PM Gambian time. Mr. Kinteh had to post a bond of D1.5 million dalasis before he could be released. He is expected to appear in court on Thursday.

According to the charges proffered against Lamin Kinteh, it was back in February of 2020, that Kinteh, acting by false pretense, obtained D1,120,000.00 million dalasis from one Lamin Jabang, by promising to buy him a truck, which he never did. Kinteh, was said to have lied to Mr. Jabang, by falsely telling him that he had purchased a truck for him, and the purchased truck was in Dakar.

Mr. Jabang  found that Kinteh was lying to him. He later discovered that his D1,120,000.00 million dalasis was misused by Kinteh.

It would be recalled that Lamin Kinteh took to WhatsApp and recorded an audio, where he accused Mr. Gorgi Mboob, the commander of the anti crime unit of allegedly extorting D14 million dalasis from him. He claimed that the said money was entrusted to his marabout, which he said, Mboob, later took from his marabout.

His case was reported by the Brikama based Mengbakering home digital radio FM. Mboob was vilified for days on social media and that privately owned Brikama radio station.

The police investigators later found out that Mr. Kinteh had lied against Gorgi Mboob. He allegedly orchestrated a story to cover up the D1,120,000.00 million he allegedly stole from Lamin Jabang.

“That was the reason why he made that audio and lied against Gorgi Mboob and the Marabout so that he will escape from his theft case. He stole Mr. Lamin Jabang’s D1,120,000.00 million dalasis. He never bought any truck for him,” said our sources.

Lamin Kinteh is likely going to be arraigned in one of the magistrate courts in the West Coast region or the Kanifing municipality on Thursday.

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: SEMESTER BOY, WHO FALSELY ACCUSED THE ANTI CRIME COMMANDER OF EXTORTING D14 M FROM HIM, HAS BEEN ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH STEALING D1,120,000.00 MILLION FROM ONE LAMIN JABANG! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The Gambian famous semester, Lamin Kinteh, who recently said he was hypnotized by his marabout, has denied falsely accusing the Commander of the anti-crime unit. He has doubled down on his allegations against Gorgi Mboob. He has once again accused Mr. Mboob of allegedly stealing D14 million dalasis from him. He claimed that the alleged stolen money in question was entrusted to his marabout, which Mboob allegedly took from the marabout. Kinteh was speaking in a WhatsApp audio on Wednesday. He was reacting to a Freedom Newspaper publication. Freedom has reported on its Tuesday edition that Kinteh has been charged with obtaining money by false.

According to the criminal charges proffered against Lamin Kinteh, it was back in February of 2020, that Kinteh, acting by false pretense, obtained D1,120,000.00 million dalasis from one Lamin Jabang, by promising to buy him a truck, which he never did. Kinteh, was said to have lied to Mr. Jabang, by falsely telling him that he had purchased a truck for him, and the purchased truck was in Dakar.

Mr. Jabang found that Kinteh was lying to him. He later discovered that his D1,120,000.00 million dalasis was misused by Kinteh.

Kinteh has denied the charges. He said he has purchased a truck for Mr. Lamin Jabang.  He even told his followers that he was going to bring the truck to court today to rebuff what he called the police’s false charges against him.

Kinteh has accused the police of coverup.  He said the police are trying to falsely frame him by using Lamin Jabang’s name to coverup the D14 million dalasis that Gorgi Mboob and co allegedly stole from him.

“I do not think that Lamin Jabang is aware of the charges filed against me. I have purchased a truck for Lamin. In fact, Lamin owed me money. I am going to bring the truck to court to debunk their lies. This is a coverup. They are trying to intimidate me. Gorgi Mboob stole my money. I narrated the story on Pa Modou’s radio. They are trying to falsely frame me by using Lamin Jabang’s name. They are trying to coverup their theft,” Kinteh alleged. He spoke in the local Mandinka dialect.

Kinteh said he is being represented by Lawyer Yankuba Darboe and another lawyer.

Explaining the circumstances that led to his arrest, Kinteh said he was grabbed by the cops and taken to the Banjul police station on Monday. He added that he was beaten by one of the police officers while being processed at the Banjul station.

He said he was held for hours at a police cell at the Banjul police, before being released on bail.

Kinteh has accused the Freedom Newspaper of publishing what he called “half-truths information that was provided to the paper by the police.” He vowed that he was going to proof his innocence in court.

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: SEMESTER BOY HAS ACCUSED THE POLICE OF LYING AGAINST HIM TO COVERUP THE D14M THEY ALLEGEDLY STOLE FROM HIM! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

Judicial independence is sacrosanct in any nation’s democratic process. But in The Gambia, the issue of judicial independence needs to be revisited. Could you imagine a judicial official, who has been accused of” hit and run” accident being tried by his  former boss magistrate? He is also a close acquaintance of the magistrate. What happened to conflict of interest? Why can’t the magistrate in question recuse himself from that case?

Here is what happened: The Banjul magistrate Assistant court Registrar Saja Juwara, who was recently charged by the police for causing an accident in the Jarras, Tuesday appeared at the Mansakonko magistrate court. Juwara’s case is being presided over by magistrate Demba Senghore. Saja Juwara had worked as a court clerk under magistrate Senghore at the Basse magistrate court. He is not only a former subordinate of magistrate Senghore, but the duos are former close workmates.

Many here are not convinced that Saja Juwara would be tried fairly, given his cordial relationship with the magistrate.

Senghore should have declined to hear that case on ethical grounds, but he accepted to preside Saja’s case.

Judicial Secretary Fatou Jallow-Sey could not be reached for comment. She should consider reassigning Saja’s case to another magistrate, who has no past close affiliation with the accused person.

Failure of which, we fear that justice might not be properly dispensed.

“Saja Juwara’s case was called yesterday at Mansakonko and he is standing trial before his best friend Magistrate Demba  Senghore who was once a Magistrate at Basse Magistrate Court when Saja was a clerk under him and this is the same Senghore who was slapped by a Police officer in Basse until the police officer was demoted and transferred back to Banjul Police headquarters, so likely Senghore will not try him fairly, as people are suspecting because of their cordial relationship,” a source wrote.

To the Chief Justice Assan Jallow, we deem it imperative to bring this potential conflict of interest trial taking place at the Mansakonko magistrate court to your attention. If magistrate Demba Senghore is allowed to try his former court clerk, then what is relevance of the much talked about judicial independence and ethics?

Below is the previous story we ran on Saja’s case.

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Saja Juwara, an Assistant Registrar at the Banjul magistrate court has been arrested for hit and run after leaving his accident victim in an unconscious state, Freedom Newspaper can reveal. The court official was traveling from the Kombos this past Sunday to Basse, when he knocked down a child in Wellingaraba village, in the Lower River Region (LRR). Saja Juwara, the son of Bata Juwara, a former Chief of Protocol in Jammeh’s rule, proceeded with his journey. He never stopped to check on the child he knocked down with his vehicle.

The aggrieved villagers then phoned the Bureng police station to inform them about the hit and run driver on the loose. When Juwara arrived in Bureng, he refused to stop, he evaded the police checkpoint, and headed towards Pakaliba, a nearby village. He was finally stopped by the military, who had mounted a checkpoint on the road.

When stopped by the military, Saja Juwara was alleged to have lied to the soldiers by falsely claiming to be a judge. He was rescued by his Police Commissioner friend Kaimeta Sambou, who prevailed on the soldiers to let him go. He was released.

Saja Juwara’s case later got to the attention of IGP Mamout Jobe. The IGP was reported to have ordered for Juwara’s arrest, and subsequent charging.

Juwara has been released on bail. He is likely going to stand trial in Mansakonko.

Assistant Registrar Saja Juwara sometimes work at the Basse High court. He is a close buddy of Justice Landing Sanneh.

The police spokesman Superintendent Lamin Njie was contacted for comment, but his cellular phone was off. He could not be reached for comment.

The post GAMBIA: MAGISTRATE TRIES HIS FORMER COURT CLERK, WHO HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

Gambia Democratic Congress strongly condemns gathering of crowds currently being held by President Adama Barrow around the country. President Barrow, since March 2020, has taken the Gambia through a series of difficult health guidelines and protocols such as locking down of schools, markets/Lumos, public places and sets of declarations of public emergencies due to Covid-19 and enactment of Public Health Protection Regulation 2020, most of which are still in effect. People including respectable elders have been paraded in courts alleged for breaking Covid-19 regulations and asked to pay sums in lieu of jail terms for violating the health regulations for dangerous and infectious disease.

Unfortunately, Adama Barrow being the president of the Gambia who is responsible for defending all those health regulations mandated by the Gambia 1997 Constitution (Section 7) (a) Acts of national assembly made under this constitution and subsidiary legislations made under such Acts; (b) Any orders, Rules, Regulations or other subsidiary legislations made by a person or authority under a power conferred by this constitution or any other law, is the very one proud of breaking them without any remorse.

It is ill-fated that President Barrow can put behind the numerous financial bailouts and expert advices our country have solicited both at home and international donors since March 2020 and would risk another possible wave of the corona virus due to his actions in gathering crowds without following health guidelines.

Barrow should been worried enough when his own Minister of justice stated that they are breaking Covid-19 health regulations. The Schools and provincial markets are closed for the longest without coming up with a plan to reopen when the worst affected countries are reopening, instead President Barrow turned a blind eye and continue to put his political interest before the safety and security of the people of this country especially those in provincial Gambia.

The Barrow administration will have no legitimacy to further caution or punish anybody for violating Covid-19 regulations, which they do not adhere to as a government. It is high time for Gambians to realize that President Barrow do not respect the laws of the Gambia and live by violating his own rules, therefore cannot deliver justice to the people.

We condemn in totality, the president’s recent crowding activities during these difficult times of COVID-19.

GDC takes this opportunity to remind the Inspector General of police that no one is above the law and respect for the law is a duty of citizens, moreover, rule for one should be rule for all. The police should stop all public gatherings that fail to heed to the current health regulations. It is the duty of the police to enforce the laws and that the police must do.

Hon. Mamma Kandeh
Secretary General and Party leader

The post Barrow should been worried enough when his own Minister of Justice stated that they are breaking Covid-19 health regulations—Mama Kandeh appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

Clearing agents are on strike in The Gambia, Freedoom Newspaper can report. They have stormed the front end premises of the Maerskline  shipping agency Gambia limited, right opposite The Gambia High school.

The post Gambia: Breaking News: Gambia’s clearing agents are on strike! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The United Democratic Party nominated MP Yakumba Jaiteh has assaulted a drug squad officer one Ebrima Fadera, leaving the officer to sustain a deep injury on his head, Freedom Newspaper can reveal. The MP was alleged to have thrown a rock (stone), to the officer, during a drug raid at her Kololi home on Tuesday night. Fadera, who was bleeding excessively was later subsequently hospitalized. He is said to be responding to treatment.

The incident happened last night around 11:00PM Gambian time at the MP’s home in Kololi, where drug squad officers busted MP Jaiteh’s brother one Tijan Marcuary with two packs of marijuana (cannabis). Mr. Marcuary was accosted by the raiding officers just outside the MP’s residence, where he was found in possession of drugs.

The antinarcotic officers tried to arrest Marcuary, but he resisted. Marcuary and his mates ran into the MP’s house to evade arrest. They were chased by the officers.

A crowd of youths later showed up to come to Marcuary’s aid, which resulted to a showdown between the officers and the resisting crowd. Fighting then ensued.

MP Yakumba Jaiteh, and her Dad joined the fray. The MP threw a stone to one of the arresting officers Ebrima Fadera and injured him on his head.

The drug squad officers then fired tear gas at the scene of the crime to subdue the hostile crowd.  Tijan Marcuary and others were arrested and taken to the Serrekunda drug squad office.

Angered by the conduct of the drug squad officers, MP Yakumba Jaiteh telephoned IGP Mamout Jobe. She had placed numerous phone calls on IGP Jobe’s line but was unable to get hold of the police chief. She later phoned the Commissioner of police operations Pateh Jallow, sources said. She reportedly told Pateh Jallow that she was being allegedly “set up” by the Barrow government. She accused the police of teargassing her and her family. She further claimed that one of her loved ones was even hospitalized because of the teargas.

Commissioner Pateh Jallow then visited the Serrekunda police station to ascertain the veracity of MP’s Jaiteh’s accusations against the force. To Jallow’s chagrin, he later found out that the drug raid was not conducted by the police, but the drug squad. Jallow was shocked that the MP had fed him with false information.

Jallow then phoned IGP Jobe in the presence of MP Jaiteh and asked MP Jaiteh to apologize to the IGP for making false accusations against the police force. The MP refused to make any apologizes. She claimed that she was a victim of drug squad excesses.

MP Jaiteh had earlier told Commissioner Pateh Jallow that she was being targeted because of her political affiliation with the UDP. She has accused the drug squad officers of assaulting her family.  She said the officers conduct was reprehensible.

MP Jaiteh never told Commissioner Jallow that she assaulted officer Ebrima Fadera. The officer’s assault came to Jallow’s attention at the police station.

Jallow was said to have implored MP Jaiteh to be mindful because Jallow told her that “no one is above the law.”

MP Jaiteh’s assault case was later referred to the drug squad head office. She and her family had two hours meeting with the DG of drug Squad Bakary Gassama. The following officers attended that meeting:

Bakary Gassama, Director General Drug Squad

Lamin Gassama, Director of Investigations and Borders

Jim Drammeh, Operations Director

Buba Fadera Officer Commanding Serrekunda Station

Juma Sowe, Commissioner KMC.

The meeting had concluded that no criminal charges would be brought against MP YaKumba Jaiteh. This followed the complainant’s refusal to press charges against MP Jaiteh.  Ebrima Fadera, a native of Kiang, said he doesn’t want to press charges against the MP. Fadera fears that if he should press charges against MP Jaiteh, the UDP arrogant supporters would go after him and his family.

The drug squad command, according to sources, claimed that charges  can only be pressed against MP Jaiteh, provided that the MP’s accuser Fadera was willing to testify against her in court.

Ebrima Fadera’s family are said to be UDP supporters. Both Fadera and the Drug Squad DG Bakary Gassama hailed from Kiang. Ebrima is related to Dawda Fadera, Gambia’s Ambassador to the United States.

The Drug Squad DG Bakary Gassama is from Kiang Kaif.

MP YaKumba Jaiteh was never arrested. She went to the Drug Squad on her own volution. She walked out of the DG’s office as a free woman. She was never charged.

Her assault case was settled at DG Gassama’s office. The complainant Ebrima Fadera was subsequently compensated for his medical expenses, according to sources.

Operations Director Jim Drammeh had a separate meeting with Yakumba’s family before the meeting which was held at DG Gassama’s office. Drammeh wanted charges to be filed against the MP, but the complainant Ebrima Fadera refused.

Meanwhile, Tijan Marcuary and co have been charged with drug possession. MP Yakumba Jaiteh was never charged for assaulting officer Ebrima Fadera.

Law enforcement sources said this is not the first time that MP Jaiteh had an encounter with the drug squad. A similar drug case that involved one of her loved ones, was settled after her visit to the Drug Squad head office.

Editors note: The drive by fake opposition media are aware of the MP’s assault case, but they are not willing to report the story. Stories critical of the opposition UDP are often censored. Independent journalism is gradually dying in The Gambia. The partisan media is a total disservice to this nation. They cherry pick on what to report.

Written by Pa Nderry M’Bai

Email: panderrymbai@gmail.com

Tel: 919-749-6319

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: MP YAKUMBA JAITEH ASSAULTS A DRUG SQUAD OFFICER DURING A DRUG RAID AT HER KOLOLI HOME, LEAVING HIM WITH A GRIVIOUS INJURY ON THE HEAD; ASSAULT CASE SETTLED AS COMPLAINANT SAID HE DOESN’T WANT TO PRESS CHARGES AGAINST THE MP appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

A Gambian nominated MP, who assaulted an anti narcotic officer, has been charged with four count criminal charges, Freedom Newspaper can reveal. Yakumba Jaiteh was charged together her father Yusupha Jaiteh. Among the charges include assault causing grievous bodily harm and obstructing law enforcement officers.

The MP was summoned for questioning on Thursday at the Serrekunda police station. This followed a drug raid at her Kololi home, where her brother Tijan Marcuary was arrested with two packs of marijuana (cannabis).

Tijan resisted arrested when he was stopped by the antinarcotic officers. He was aided by a hostile crowd, who attacked the arresting officers. The officers fired teargas to subdue the crowd.

MP Yakumba Jaiteh, and her Dad Yusupha Jaiteh joined the fray. The MP threw a stone to one of the arresting officers Ebrima Fadera and injured him on his head.

MP Jaiteh wasn’t immediately charged when her brother Tijan Macurary was arrested together with other accused persons. She visited the Drug Squad Head office with her family, where she had two hours meeting with the leadership of the anti narcotic agency. She returned home not charged.

It was on Thursday evening that she was formally charged. MP Jaiteh has been scheduled to report to the police on Friday.

The Serrekunda police station was stormed by UDP supporters when the MP was being processed.

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: GAMBIAN MP, WHO ASSAULTED AN ANTI NARCOTIC OFFICER CHARGED TOGETHER WITH HER FATHER FOR ASSAULT CAUSING GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM!! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The Commander of anti crime unit Gorgi Mboob has been redeployed to the Farafenni police station as an Assistant police Commissioner.  Mboob has been replaced by his Deputy Superintendent Sowe.

Mboob’s redeployment, followed an adverse human rights violation finding found against him by the newly established Gambia’s Human Rights Commission. The Commission headed by Lawyer Emmanuel Joof had recommended for Mboob’s redeployment to other units in the Force.

The officer had been sanctioned for his conduct, hence which resulted to his removal from the anticrime unit.

Mboob has been accused of torturing detainees, a charge he repeatedly denied.

Sources close to the force said, IGP Mamout Jobe had enforced the recommendations of the Commission by transferring Gorgi Mboob to Farafenni.

The post Gambia: Breaking News: Anti crime unit Commander removed, redeployed to Farafenni! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

Presidential Adviser Dodou Sanno has rebuffed what he called “a fake news being circulated by the supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP) claiming that he is dead. “They said I am dead. I think they are referring to another Doo Sanno. I am not dead. I am alive, well and kicking. I am not dead. Nothing happened to me. I am not sick. I am well and okay,” Sanno remarked in a WhatsApp audio. He has called on the supporters of the National People’s Party (NPP) to disregard the UDP fake news about his demise.

“They have nothing to say, but to wish me death. God is going to judge them for their lies and ill intentions. After all, I am a human being, every human being that tastes life, would one day die. We are all going to die one day. If God wants me back, there is nothing that I can do to stop that. I am waiting for death. Both my mum and Dad have died. I couldn’t do anything about their death. So, who am I not to expect to die one day? Please disregard the UDP fake news. They are haters, they are only out to spread lies, and cause panic,” he added.

Sanno said the UDP party is consist of people, who are good at spreading lies. He couldn’t understand why any sane person would wish death to his fellow human being.

“These are misguided people, very bad and heartless people. They forgot that life goes with wellness and one being sick. Their lies would only attract them more sin. I am praying to the Almighty God to pass a judgment between me and the UDP. I am also praying to God to pass judgment between the UDP and President Barrow. May God disintegrate that bad political party. May God destroy that party. The UDP would end up tearing apart. Lies is their brand name. They want to destabilize this country. They have been mixing communities,” Sanno said.

Sanno warns that if the UDP doesn’t quit its style of politics of lies and smear campaign, the party risked polling less than ten thousand votes in the upcoming elections. He said the UDP has also be known as a party that insults and terrorize its opponents.

Sanno’s statement followed the recent indictment of Yakumba Jaiteh, a nominated member of the National Assembly. Mrs. Jaiteh has been charged with assaulting a police officer and obstructing an officer in the due execution of his duties. She has been accused of hitting a drug squad officer with a stone during a drug raid at her Kololi home. She has denied the charges.

In an attempt to divert the attention of the public from Yakumba Jaiteh’s assault case, the UDP supporters decided to falsely spread the fake death of Dodou Sanno.

Sanno says it is unGodly for the UDP supporters to use him to spread his fake death in an attempt to divert the public’s attention from Yakumba Jaiteh’s assault case

On Yakumba Jaiteh’s case, Sanno said he has no business in Yakumba’s case. He has accused Mrs. Jaiteh of being ungrateful to President Barrow.

“It was President Barrow who pardoned Yakumba Jaiteh’s Dad. Her Dad was jailed by the former government of President Jammeh for embezzlement of public funds. He was sentenced to 25 years for embezzling a huge amount of money. Her Dad used to work at the AMRC. He was not falsely jailed by Jammeh’s government. He was jailed because of the huge money he stole from the government,” Sanno revealed.

“Yakumba Jaiteh’s mother used to be our UDP Chairwoman. She was not the only Chairwoman in this country. In order to wipe her tears, President Barrow decided to extend a Presidential pardon to her Dad. President Barrow did not stop at freeing her father, he also nominated Yakumba Jaiteh as a member of the National Assembly. Her Dad, who was saved from serving 25 years jail term, conspired with her daughter to “Jangfa” (betray) President Barrow. My fellow Gambians, let me, ask you, has these people rewarded President Barrow for his good deeds and kind gesture? Do you expect a proper human being to behave like Yakumba and her Dad have done? Their conduct is inhumane,” he added.

He added that if the assault allegations that have been leveled against Yakumba Jaiteh are true, she might risked losing her MP seat if convicted. He added that he has never seen an ungrateful person like Yakumba Jaiteh.

Sanno has also raised the issue of government officials, some of whom, he said, their loyalty to the President and the country is questionable. He said there are some officials, who doesn’t wish President Barrow well, even the President has good intentions for them.

Written By Pa Nderry M”Bai

Email: panderrymbai@gmail.com

Tel: 919-749-6319

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: I AM NOT DEAD-PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER DODOU SANNO DEBUNKS UDP FAKE NEWS! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The Deputy Youth Presidential Adviser Saihou Mballow says the rejected draft constitution is dead and have been buried and that no one can re-table the 2020 constitution again in Parliament for consideration, Freedom Newspaper can report.  Mballow, who was speaking during Freedom Radio Gambia’s prime time Leral show says only another new constitution can be re-tabled for consideration. Mballow has dismissed claims that have been attributed to the Justice Minister Dawda Jallow, who was quoted as saying that efforts are underway to constitute an independent panel to salvage to the rejected constitution.

“The draft constitution is dead. It has been buried. No one can bring that draft constitution to Parliament again for another voting. Per our laws, once a draft constitution is voted out, no one can table it again in Parliament. I don’t think these people have quoted the Justice Minister properly. That bill is dead, take it from me, no one can salvage that draft. I know what I am telling you. You can quote me as saying that the bill is dead,” Mballow remarked.

The Justice Minister recently appeared before an online forum, where he was quoted as saying that efforts are underway to constitute a panel that would look into the rejected draft constitution.

According to Mballow, the rejected draft constitution was a tailored UDP constitution. He added that the draft had favored the UDP felon leader compared to President Adama Barrow.

“The rejected draft constitution favored Ousainou Darboe than President Barrow. Under the 1997 constitution, Darboe is unqualified to run as a President. There is a provision in that constitution that bares Darboe from running for public office. But under the new constitution, Darboe is qualified to run. The drafters came up with a provision which says pardoned felons like Darboe cannot be disqualified to run as Presidential candidates. That provision was created to favor Darboe,” Mballow said.

Darboe was sentenced in 2016 after been found guilty of organizing a protest march without obtaining a permit. He was pardoned by President Barrow, following the change of government.

“Now that the draft constitution has been rejected, Darboe is unqualified to run in 2021. If he insists on running, any political party can file an objection to his candidacy. This country is a nation of laws. The 1997 constitution bars him from running,” Mballow added.

Darboe told his supporters in a recent press conference that there is nothing that can prevent him from contesting in the upcoming elections. He says only death, infamy of mine, or his party not selecting him can prevent him from running.

Mballow also said the rejected draft constitution also had a provision which would deny kids born in The Gambian citizenship. He added that the proposed new law also had a provision which would legalize gay marriage in the country. He also said religious secularity hasn’t been guaranteed under the proposed new law. He added that the draft had marginalized our Christian brothers and sisters.

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: DRAFT CONSTITUTION IS DEAD FOR GOOD, NO ONE CAN SALVAGE IT- PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER MBALLOW appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

MP Yakumba Jaiteh has yesterday denied assaulting drug squad officers. She made her first court appearance on Monday before the Kanifing magistrates court, where she was confronted with two count criminal indictment. She has been charged with assault and obstruction. If convicted, she is likely going to serve two years in jail. She would also lost her MP seat in Parliament.

Appearing in court alongside her charged father,  Yakumba Jaiteh and her Dad Yusupha Jaiteh, an ex-felon, have denied the charges.

Mr. Jaiteh had been slammed with one count obstruction indictment.

Assistant Superintendent of police (ASP) Omar Jahateh represented the IGP at the proceedings. Jahateh is the head of police prosecution at the Serrekunda police station.

Principal magistrate Janneh presided over the case. The case has been adjourned to October 26^th.

When the drug squad officers raided Yakumba Jaiteh’s neighborhood, they arrested her brother Tijan Mancuary with drugs. The officers said they were attacked by a hostile mob during the raid. One of the officers Ebrima Fadera was injured during  that incident.

MP Jaiteh has been accused of injuring officer Fadera. She was alleged to have hit Mr. Fadera on the head.

The post GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: MP YAKUMBA JAITEH AND HER DAD YUSUPHA JAITEH APPEARED IN COURT; AS SHE DENIES ASSAULT AND OBSTRUCTION CHARGES! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

Interior Minister Yankuba Sonko convened a meeting few days ago with the leadership of the anti narcotic unit and the police to express the need for the nominated MP Yakumba Jaiteh to be charged for assaulting a law enforcement officer, Freedom Newspaper can reveal. The assaulted drug squad officer Ebrima Fadera and the other arresting officers were also in attendance at the meeting. This followed the drug squad’s Directorates’ failure to press charges against MP Jaiteh when the incident happened.

MP Jaiteh was subsequently charged after the Interior Ministry meeting. She and her Dad Yusupha Jaiteh were charged with assault and obstruction. A court in Kanifing granted the duo bail on Monday.

According to sources, the following security officers attended the Interior Ministry meeting:

Bakary Gassama, DG Drug Squad

Jim Drammeh

Juma Sowe

Bakary Gassama

Deputy IGP Abdoulie Sanyang

The officers were informed at the meeting that MP Jaiteh had committed a crime against the state by assaulting the anti narcotic officers. The Minister, who was a former police chief, then recommended for charges to be filed against MP Jaiteh.

According to sources, the drug squad officers had earlier filed a complaint with the Serre-Kunda police station, stating that they were assaulted by unknown mob. Their complaint was recorded in the station diary.  Two days later, the officers decided to withdraw their complaint case.

It has been alleged that the complaining officers were manipulated by their superiors—notably DG Bakary Gassama, a UDP appointee to withdraw the complaint that they filed with the Serre-Kunda police station.

The Interior Minister then summoned a meeting at his office to discuss the MP’s case with the police and drug squad’s command. At the meeting, it was agreed that both Yakumba Jaiteh and her Daddy Yusupha Jaiteh should be charged.

“This case is weak. It has been messed up by the Drug Squad command. Could you imagine that about five to six different statements were obtained from the arresting officers? Each time that statements are obtained from them, the command would recommend for the statements to be rewritten. They kept contradicting each other. Some of the officers are not willing to testify against MP Jaiteh. They will go to court to contradict each other. Without the intervention of the Interior Minister Yankuba Sonko, this case wouldn’t have gone to court. It was Sonko, who summoned them in his office to tell them that this matter should be prosecuted,” said our source.

Both MP Jaiteh and her Daddy have denied the police charges. They have been rescheduled to reappear in court on October 26^th.

The post Gambia: Breaking News: Interior Minister Sonko Convenes a meeting with the Drug Squad and the police command to insist that criminal charges should be filed against MP Yakumba Jaiteh; amid the drug squad’s failure to press charges appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

TWIST IN THE GRA BURGLARY

The police high command is in a catch 22 situation in their investigation. After weeks of looking for leads in to the theft at GRA Head Office in Banjul.

The investigation team has concluded with no conclusive findings because our team has been  stopped to interview the senior management at GRA and to conduct searches at their residents. We are with the belief that there is a coverup in the theft case.

Review was done in the case by command last week but it seems no further investigation will follow. At our level as investigators  we want to further our investigation at GRA but that has been ruled out by our seniors. Unless they changed their position or we can say it’s a complete waste of police time and resources.

By An Insider.

The post Gambia: Breaking News: TWIST IN THE GRA BURGLARY appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

An interesting drama unfolded at Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission on Thursday. The Commission had earlier received a testimony from an anonymous witness Dr. Sabally. Sabally testimony centered on dictator Jammeh’s fake HIV/AIDS treatment.  His identity was sealed by the Commission.

Questions later emerged about the identity of the undercover witness. This medium contacted its trusted and dependable sources on the ground. We were reliably informed that the witness was Dr. Sabally.

It is not clear as to why Sabally decided to testify undercover. Sources have it that both Dr. Sabally and Dr. Tamsir Mbowe were somehow reluctant to honor the TRRC invitation when earlier invited by the Commission. The Commission even had to issue subpoena to compel the duo to testify.

Dr. Mbow was the next witness lined up to give evidence after Sabally’s testimony. Mbowe never showed up. Sources have it that the disclosure of his identity by this medium had changed the events at the TRRC. Mbowe for unknown reasons, never testified as scheduled. Reports have it that the Gynecologist and former Jammeh aids cure supervisor wasn’t happy that his cover was blown before his scheduled appearance.

Another witness was brought in to testify. Mbowe is yet to testify.

Jammeh’s ghost is still hunting his former enablers. Both Sabally and Mbowe wouldn’t want to testify in the open for reasons best known to them.

The post Gambia: Breaking News: Drama unfolds at the TRRC, as Jammeh’s fake aids cure enabler Dr. Mbowe wouldn’t testify, even though he was scheduled to testify! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.