Sanyang Remanded as Arson Case Heads to High Court

Radio Interview Lands Sanyang in Mile II

By JarraNews Staff Writer

KANIFING, August 22, 2025 — A dramatic turn of events unfolded at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court yesterday when Abdoulie Sanyang, who recently made controversial remarks on Coffee Time with West Coast Radio, was hit with four serious criminal charges and ordered remanded at Mile II Central Prison. Sanyang is accused of Arson, Seditious Intention, Incitement to Violence, and Obstruction of Judicial Proceedings under the Criminal Offences Act 2025. Of these, Arson — a capital offence carrying life imprisonment — dominated court arguments, as it stripped the Magistrates’ Court of jurisdiction. Acting Principal Magistrate Thomas Touray presided over the arraignment, where prosecutors pressed for the case to be sent to the High Court. They argued that although three of the counts could technically be tried before the Magistrates’ Court, all four should move together. The State further stressed that under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Arson is non-bailable, and urged the court to remand the accused while awaiting trial. The application was granted in full: all charges were transferred to the High Court, and Sanyang was ordered to remain in custody at Mile II. This ruling marks the beginning of what could become one of the most closely watched trials of the year, given the gravity of the charges and the high-profile platform where the alleged offences originated.

Seven Navy Officers Dismissed Over Security Breaches

By JarraNews Staff Writer

BANJUL, 19 August 2025 – The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has discharged seven naval personnel with immediate effect after uncovering what military investigators described as deliberate misconduct and gross breaches of discipline that endangered national security. The dismissal, announced Wednesday, follows a series of high-profile arrests between May and June involving two speedboats and a yacht believed to have been used in activities that compromised the integrity of naval operations. Military intelligence, working alongside other security agencies, concluded that the seven officers were directly involved in unauthorized maritime activities linked to Altima Sea Sport Limited, a company nowinvestigation for activities inconsistent with its declared operations. According to findings, the officers prepared and launched vessels without authorization, coordinated movements in breach of duty, and benefitted materially—including cash rewards and livestock—while betraying the trust vested in them as servicemen. Cell-site analysis and corroborated testimonies provided irrefutable evidence of collusion.

The GAF named those dismissed as: Lieutenant (N) Abba Nyassi Fleet Chief Petty Officer (FCPO) Musa Dampha Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Ismaila Jobe Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Musa Jammeh Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Alagie Secka Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Ebou Marong Leading Seaman (LS) Lamin DK Sanneh In a statement signed by Acting Public Relations Officer Captain Kemo Kanuteh, the Armed Forces stressed that the action reflects its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, collusion, and any breach of military ethics. “These individuals acted in direct violation of their oath of service and posed a clear risk to operational security,” the statement read. “Their removal is necessary to preserve discipline, safeguard national interests, and maintain public trust in the Armed Forces.” The military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and professionalism, vowing to defend the sovereignty of The Gambia while ensuring that “indiscipline or misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated.”

Five Convicted in Jabang Drifting Case

By Staff Reporter

The Brusubi Magistrates’ Court has handed down convictions to five young men involved in a dangerous drifting incident along the Sukuta–Jabang Highway, a case that sparked public concern over reckless driving. The court imposed both prison sentences and heavy fines on the offenders. The sentences are as follows: Momodou Martin Sanyang: D25,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment with hard labour. Serigne Mass Gaye: D1,000 fine and three months’ imprisonment with hard labour on one count; D25,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment with hard labour onanother. Muhammed Bah: D20,000 fine (or two years’ imprisonment with hard labour in default) and an additional D25,000 fine plus three years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Ismaila Faal: D25,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment with hard labour on one count, plus D20,000 fine (or two years’ imprisonment with hard labour in default) on another. Samba Ceesay: D25,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment with hard labour. The court directed that Sanyang and Gaye, both juveniles, serve their sentences at Jeshwang Prison. The Gambia Police Force (GPF) welcomed the verdict, noting that it reflects the authorities’ determination to combat reckless driving and safeguard road users. The police commended the efforts of the Anti-Crime Unit, responding officers, and the Prosecutions Unit, while also thanking the Jabang community for its cooperation in apprehending the suspects. Police spokespersons reiterated that reckless driving, including drifting, will not be tolerated, and assured the public of continued enforcement to ensure safety on the country’s roads.

Tunkara Refutes Sanyang’s Remarks on April 14 Protest

Lamin A. Tunkara has strongly refuted recent comments made by Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang during an interview with West Coast Radio, describing them as “egregious, reckless, and a deliberate distortion of facts.” Mr. Tunkara said the remarks falsely implicated him in the events of April 14, 2016, when Gambians staged a peaceful demonstration demanding electoral reform and addressing the Senegalo-Gambia border impasse.

“The protest involved citizens—including my own brothers—who were exercising their constitutional rights in a peaceful and democratic manner,” Tunkara stated. “To suggest that I played any role in instigating harm is not only false but an insult to the sacrifices of those who stood for justice.” He emphasized that his role at the time, like that of many others, was solely focused on uniting Gambians in the pursuit of democratic change. “My involvement in national affairs has always been guided by principles of justice, fairness, and transparency,” he noted. Tunkara further accused Mr. Sanyang of politicizing a sensitive moment in the country’s history. “Unlike Mr. Sanyang, I have always stood for the values that underpin a free and democratic society,” he said. Reflecting on the events of 2016, he expressed pride in his contribution, alongside thousands of Gambians and international partners, who acted “out of conviction and ism.” He added: “Some paid a heavier price than others, but all did so in the service of The Gambia.” Now serving in government, Tunkara reaffirmed his commitment to the country’s leadership and development. He urged Sanyang to exercise “greater caution and responsibility” in his public statements, warning against “using subterfuge to court relevance.” “As a nation, we must move forward not by tearing each other down, but by building on the sacrifices, hard work, and progress that brought us this far,” Tunkara concluded.

Bajo’s Leadership Steers Gambian Football to Historic Heights Amid Unfounded Criticism

By JarraNews Staff Writer

In the face of misinformed online chatter and unfounded accusations, the leadership of Retired Captain Lamin Kaba Bajo has proven to be one of the strongest pillars of Gambian football’s rise in recent years. Contrary to claims by detractors who attempt to link him with delays in the Independence Stadium renovations, facts show that Bajo and his executive team at the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) have been focused on building institutions, strengthening grassroots structures, and raising the international profile of Gambian football. Setting the Record Straight on Stadium Renovations

It is worth clarifying that the Ministry of Youth and Sports—working with the central government—is solely responsible for the rehabilitation of the Independence Stadium in Bakau. The protracted work, though delayed, has now been completed and certified by CAF and FIFA, restoring the facility to international standards. The GFF, under Bajo’s stewardship, had no control over the stadium reconstruction process. In fact, Gambia was not alone in suffering the inconvenience of moving home matches abroad while renovation work was ongoing. Many African nations, from Sierra Leone to Liberia, have also endured similar displacements due to CAF bans on substandard venues. Gambia itself hosted “home” matches in Morocco against Seychelles and in Franceville, Gabon against the Panthers during this period—decisions compelled by CAF, not the GFF. Achievements Under Bajo’s Watch While critics spread half-truths online, Bajo’s record speaks volumes. Under his leadership, Gambian football has reached milestones once thought unimaginable: Senior National Team Breakthrough: The Scorpions qualified for their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2021, advancing all the way to the quarter-finals. They followed this with a second consecutive AFCON appearance in 2023—proof of consistency, not chance. Youth Football Excellence: The Young Scorpions, Gambia’s U-20 side, became WAFU Zone A Champions in 2018 and 2020, while finishing as runners-up in the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and securing multiple bronze medals in earlier editions. Women’s Football Growth: Through FIFA-backed “Live Your Goals” initiatives and inter-school competitions, more than 2,200 Gambian girls have been introduced to the game. Regular U-15 jamborees and U-17 pathways have been established to nurture future stars. Leadership That Builds Institutions Captain Lamin Kaba Bajo’s leadership has been marked not by empty rhetoric but by visionary planning and institution-building. The structures he and his executive have put in place—from grassroots football to elite national squads—are laying a foundation that will serve Gambian football for generations. As one sports commentator put it, “You can argue opinions, but you cannot argue results. Bajo’s era has given Gambian football its most successful decade.” Conclusion Those attempting to tarnish Bajo’s name over stadium works are barking up the wrong tree. The facts are clear: stadium rehabilitation is a government project, not a federation mandate. Meanwhile, Bajo and his team have delivered unprecedented results on the pitch and in institutional development. History will not remember the noise of the critics, but the legacy of a leader who helped transform Gambian football into a continental force.

This story was produced by JarraNews Staff Writer -

Suntou Touray's Response to Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang’s Remarks on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez

By Suntou Touray – DHM London

Former Gambian army officer, Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang, now based in Switzerland, recently appeared on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio. In that interview, while recounting his supposed role in the struggle against the former dictator Yahya Jammeh, Mr. Sanyang made several claims that are misleading and require immediate correction. Most notably, he alleged that he met me in Geneva during human rights advocacy meetings. This is categorically false. I have never met Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang in person—neither in The Gambia, Geneva, nor anywhere else. The only interaction I recall with him was a brief greeting over Skype many years ago, long before WhatsApp and other modern platforms became common. For clarity: I attended the 2014 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) advocacy meeting in Geneva, organized by Mr. Yaya Dampha of Amnesty International Sweden, where we engaged with UN officials on Gambia’s human rights crisis under dictatorship. I also participated in the 2015 Socialist International Conference in Geneva alongside Mrs. Janiaba Bah (Sweden) and Mr. Yahya Darboe (USA), representing the UDP. At no point was Mr. Sanyang present in any of these forums. His attempt to insert himself into events where he played no role is misleading and disingenuous. These fabrications undermine the sacrifices of Gambians—both at home and in the diaspora—who genuinely risked their lives, freedom, and livelihoods in the fight for democracy. History must be told with honesty, not embellished with false claims of heroism. Equally troubling was Mr. Sanyang’s comparison between the presidency of H.E. President Adama Barrow and the brutal dictatorship of Yahya Jammeh. Such comparisons are both dishonest and unfair. Let us be reminded: Mr. Sanyang never set foot in The Gambia during the years of dictatorship, yet today he freely enters the country, grants interviews, and criticises openly without fear. That freedom itself is a testament to the democratic space created under President Barrow’s leadership. Unlike Jammeh’s regime of repression and fear, President Barrow’s administration accommodates dissent, tolerates criticism, and strengthens the rule of law. To equate this openness with dictatorship is not only an insult to the truth but also an insult to those who suffered under real tyranny. For the sake of historical accuracy and respect for those who sacrificed everything for The Gambia’s freedom, we must ensure that our national dialogue is rooted in truth, integrity, and sincerity—not self-promotion or fantasy. Mr. Sanyang’s distortions cannot and must not go unchallenged. I rest my case.