Four Suspected Armed Robbers Remanded In Central Prison

The four alleged armed robbers connected with United Bureau, United Vegetable Oil Company, Access Bank, and El-Hella Company were arraigned by police prosecution before Magistrate Krubally. The accused persons are Ansumana Jarju, Abdoulie Jallow, Losseni Diabate, and Omar Secka, charged with nine (9) counts of robbery with violence, conspiracy to commit a felony, and possession of firearms without authority. Commissioner Sanneh and DCP M. Jarju represented the Inspector General of Police, while the accused persons were unrepresented.

Before the charge sheet was read, Commissioner Sanneh made an application under Section 62 of the Criminal Procedure Code and legal notice number 3 of 2019. "My worship, before the charges are read to the accused persons, we have an application under Section 62 of the CPC and legal notice number 3 of 2019 for the matter to be transferred to the special criminal court,” Commissioner Sanneh stated. Commission Sanneh further submitted that the offence the accused persons are charged with is robbery with violence, which is a capital offence, and the punishment attracts life imprisonment, which the magistrate court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case. Relying on Section 208A of the CPC, Commissioner Sanneh requested that the accused be remanded at Mile Central Prison pending the hearing of the matter before the High Court.

In his ruling, Magistrate Krubally agreed that the court lacked the jurisdiction to proceed with the trial due to the serious nature of the charges against the four accused. He granted the application to transfer the case to the special criminal court, which has appropriate jurisdiction, under Section 62(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code. Additionally, Magistrate Krubally ordered the remand of all accused persons to state central prison pending hearings at the High Court under Section 208(A) of the Criminal Procedure Code. The police prosecution charged them with nine counts of criminal offences. Count one charged Ansumana Jarju with Robbery with violence contrary to section 273(2) of the Criminal Code. The prosecution alleged that on June 29, 2021, at United Bureau, Senegambia, Ansumana Jarju, armed with a cutlass, violently robbed Binta Bah and forcefully took a total of D42,200. The amount consisted of D1,200 in cash, three laptops valued at D23,000, a Samsung S9+ valued at D17,000, and a simple phone. In count two, Ansumana Jarju, Abdoulie Jallow, and Losseni Diabate were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 368 of the Criminal Code. They accused them that on December 31, 2024, at United Vegetable Oil Company, Denton Bridge, the three conspired to rob the company. Count three charges Ansumana Jarju, Abdoulie Jallow, and Losseni Diabate with robbery with violence, also contrary to Section 273(2) of the Criminal Code. The prosecution again alleges that on December 31, 2024, at United Vegetable Oil Company, Denton Bridge, the accused, armed with cutlasses, violently robbed the company staff, stealing D400,000. In count four, Ansumana Jarju, Abdoulie Jallow, Losseni Diabate, and Omar Secka were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 368 of the Criminal Code. The allegation states that on January 22, 2025, at Access Bank, Brusubi, the four conspired to rob the bank. Count five charges Ansumana Jarju, Abdoulie Jallow, Losseni Diabate, and Omar Secka with robbery with violence, contrary to Section 273(2) of the Criminal Code. The prosecution alleges that on January 22, 2025, at Access Bank, Brusubi, they violently robbed the Access Bank staff of D1,500,000 while armed with pistols. In count six, Ansumana Jarju, Abdoulie Jallow, Losseni Diabate, and Omar Secka were charged with possession of firearms without authority, contrary to Section 8 of the Arms and Ammunition Act. The prosecution states that on January 22, 2025, at Access Bank, Brusubi, they possessed two unknown pistols along with thirteen (13) rounds of ammunition without a license from the Inspector General of Police. Count seven charges Abdoulie Jallow and Losseni Diabate with conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 368 of the Criminal Code. The prosecution alleges that on February 8, 2025, at the EL-HELLA Shop in Banjul, Abdoulie Jallow and Losseni Diabate conspired to commit a felony by planning to rob the shop. Count Eight charges Abdoulie Jallow and Losseni Diabate for robbery with violence, contrary to Section 273(2) of the Criminal Code. The prosecution alleged that on February 8, 2025, at EL-HELLA Shop in Banjul, while armed with pistols, the two violently robbed Muhammed Seedy Hydara and Ebrima Hydara of one million, two hundred and forty-five thousand Dalasis (D1,245,000) and 1,650 property belonging to Muhammed Seedy Hydara. In the final count, Abdoulie Jallow and Losseni Diabate are again charged with possession of firearms without authority, contrary to Section 8, punishable under Section 25(2)(a) of the Arms and Ammunition Act. The prosecution alleges that on February 8 2025, at EL-HELLA Shop in Banjul, the two unlawfully possessed two unidentified pistols and thirteen without a license from the Inspector General of Police. source Kexx Sanneh Follow Everyone Top Fans @highlight

POLICE LEADERSHIP STRATEGIZES TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY

The Gambia Police Force convened a high-level meeting of Regional Commissioners and their operations teams at the Police Headquarters on Thursday, February 13, to enhance patrols and police visibility nationwide.

AIG Pateh Jallow, Head of Police Operations, speaking on behalf of Inspector General of Police Seedy M. Touray, addressed rising crime rates and emphasized urgent action to strengthen security. He reaffirmed the GPF’s capacity and readiness to tackle these challenges, urging officers to work as a team and remain committed to the patrols as a key crime prevention measure.

The meeting, attended by all Regional Commissioners and their operations teams, focused on enhancing security operations and improving policing efforts across the country.

Rebuttal to APRC's Bass Sonko's Criticism of President Adama Barr

Fellow Gambians, It is imperative to address the recent unwarranted remarks made by Bass Sonko concerning the leadership of our esteemed President Adama Barrow and the National People's Party (NPP). Mr. Sonko, who spent over two decades supporting the oppressive regime of former President Yahya Jammeh, seems to have conveniently forgotten the atrocities, nepotism, tribalism, regionalism and official corruption that characterized those dark years in our country’s history. During his time supporting Jammeh, Bass Sonko turned a blind eye to the rampant injustices that plagued The Gambia. As highlighted in Amnesty International’s report of 2010, Jammeh's regime was marked by systematic fear, brutality, and the outright murder of innocent citizens. Official corruption was rampant, with Jammeh freely seizing state resources, engaging in land grabbing, and turning public institutions into personal profit centers—all without accountability. It is bewildering that Mr. Sonko can now criticize President Barrow for a nationally approved salary of 500,000 dalasis while he failed to denounce Jammeh’s unrestricted access to government accounts. Jammeh could withdraw funds at will, utilizing public resources for his personal gain while our citizens suffered in silence. Where was the outrage then? Mr. Sonko's selective memory is a testament to his unwillingness to confront the uncomfortable truths about his past allegiances. Moreover, Sonko's baseless claims of corruption directed at President Barrow lack any substantial evidence. The NPP government stands united in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of justice, particularly for the victims of the Jammeh regime. The wheels of justice are in motion, and it is only a matter of time before Yahya Jammeh and his henchmen face trial for the crimes they committed against our people. It is evident that Mr. Sonko's attacks stem from a place of desperation and fear—fear that the NPP government is diligently working toward accountability and reconciliation for the horrors of our past. It is significant to note that the road to justice for all affected by Jammeh’s dictatorship is being paved under President Barrow's leadership. As we look forward to the 2026 elections, let us remember the progress we have made under President Adama Barrow. His administration has fostered unprecedented development and peace in our nation. The sky is indeed the limit, and together, we will continue to build a Gambia that is inclusive, prosperous, and just. So, let us not be swayed by the rhetoric of those who once supported tyranny. Instead, let us unite behind the vision of a brighter future that President Barrow is tirelessly working to achieve for all Gambians. In solidarity and hope for a better Gambia, Yaya Dampha Coordinator LRR NPP Diaspora

I Will Resign If...... IGP Seedy M Touray

The Inspector General of Police Seedy Muctar Touray reassures the public of commitment and willingness of the police force in protecting their lifes and properties. The police boss shows the readiness of the police in curbing crime and crime related issues thereby making the Gambia a safer place to live.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Muktar Touray, in today’s press conference addressing recent security concerns, including the alleged robberies at Access Bank and ElHella shop in Banjul, emphasized the GPF’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the country’s security.

In his statement, he said: “The Gambia Police Force has been maligned, ridiculed, and sent to tatters. Many things have been said about us.

We accept this in good faith, and we’re not apportioning blame to anyone, because that’s what we signed up for. If we are unable to protect the lives and property of this nation, let me be on record – I, Seedy Muktar Touray, will be the first to tender my resignation to the executive, saying I have failed in my duties and am relieving myself of my responsibilities."

Update On The Arrested Armed Robbers

Abdoulie Jallow was among the armed robbers arrested by the police yesterday. He was found at the Serrekunda Villa Guest House with a prost*tute, who was also taken into custody. Abdoulie was in Barra. When he suspected that the police were searching for him, he quickly took a boat to Banjul and later checked into the Serrekunda Villa.

Considered the most skilled member of the gang, Abdoulie was also the mastermind behind some of their operations. He purchased the pist*ls in Senegal, strapping them to his body to cross the Amdalai border undetected. Before the gang attacked El Hella in Banjul, Abdoulie first surveyed the area. Once he was confident that the operation could proceed, he alerted his accomplices.

The other gang members, Ansumana Jarju and Ivorian national Ousainou Jobarteh, met at Mile 2 Prison, where they became close friends. After their release, they recruited Abdoulie and others, forming a gang that carried out multiple armed robberies. Ousainou is married to a Gambian woman, Tida Nyang. She was also arrested yesterday and is currently assisting the police with their investigation.

Police arrested Armed Robbers As INVESTIGATION Continues

POLICE INVESTIGATE ALLEGED ARMED ROBBERY IN BANJUL AND PROVIDE UPDATE ON ACCESS BANK CASE DATE: February 9, 2025 The Gambia Police Force has made significant progress in its investigation into a recent armed robbery in Banjul, leading to the arrests of the suspects and ongoing efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice.

A case of armed robbery was reported at the Banjul Police Station involving an attack on El Hella Shop, located on Hegan Street, Banjul, at approximately 09:08 hrs. The complainant, Muhammed Seedy Hydra of Brikama, stated that he had traveled to Banjul with D1,245,000.00 and 1,650,000.00 CFA to purchase goods. Upon arrival, he noticed a BMW, ash in color, with no number plate, parked opposite the shop. Moments after entering, two armed individuals stormed the shop, held him at gunpoint, and forcefully took the cash before fleeing the scene. Following the robbery, the suspects abandoned the vehicle in Banjul and used a commercial vehicle to escape to Sting Corner, where they divided the stolen money. Through intensive investigations, police arrested the suspects. Ousainou Jobarteh, an Ivorian national residing in Busumbala, was apprehended in the early morning of Sunday, February 9, 2025. Officers recovered D70,250 and 465,000 CFA from him. During interrogation, he admitted to conspiring with Abdoulie Jallow, a 24-year-old resident of Barra, and used his BMW with registration number BJL 4871B to execute the operation. He further disclosed that Amadou Wurry Jallow, a mechanic, was instructed to drive the vehicle out of Banjul for maintenance and repainting to conceal evidence. The vehicle was later identified and intercepted at Bond Road at about 21:00 hrs. Later that day, police arrested Abdoulie Jallow along with his girlfriend, Bella James, at Serekunda Villa around 16:30 GMT. During the search, officers recovered D198,000 from Jallow. Additionally, his Wave account contained D24,000, but no CFA currency was recovered from him. After the operation, the stolen money was divided among the suspects. Ousainou Jobarteh admitted to entrusting D70,250 and 465,000 CFA to his wife, Tida Nyang, while giving her an additional D3,000 for personal use. He further revealed that he handed over D304,000 to Odile Secka, a female resident of Banjul, bringing the total money entrusted to third parties to D377,250 and 465,000 CFA.

In a separate case, authorities in Guinea-Bissau have arrested Ansu Jarju, a Gambian national, in connection with the Access Bank robbery in Brusubi. The suspect has been handed over to The Gambia Police Force through security bilateral, to ensure his swift extradition and prosecution. Police have recovered firearms and other incriminating evidence, further strengthening the case against the arrested individuals. Investigators are working to determine whether the suspects are linked to other armed robberies in the country. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The Gambia Police Force commends its officers for their swift and decisive action and reassures the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order.

Please note that this is an ongoing investigation, further updates on progress of the investigation will be provided as and when available.