Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Banjul Magistrates’ Court has rejected an application by the State to withdraw four criminal charges against Abdul Wahab Jobarteh, ordering the prosecution to proceed with the trial on 30 July 2026.
In a ruling delivered by Magistrate Krubally, the court declined to grant consent for the withdrawal application, holding that the matter should proceed in accordance with the law.
Abdul Wahab Jobarteh is accused in connection with a dramatic incident that allegedly occurred on 5 June 2026 along Hegan Street in Banjul. Prosecutors allege that he attempted to cause the death of Sergeant 4485 Alagie Badjie by driving a vehicle bearing registration number BJL 6726 J while the officer was lying on its bonnet.
Jobarteh was first arraigned before the court on 8 June 2026 on four counts under the Criminal Offences Act 2025: attempted murder, reckless and rash acts, disobedience to lawful orders, and common assault.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges and is represented by defense counsel Adama Sillah.
Despite objections from the prosecution, the court granted Jobarteh bail and adjourned the matter to 16 June for the State to open its case.
State Sought Withdrawal
When the case resumed on 16 June, Assistant Commissioner of Police Manga applied to withdraw the charges pursuant to Section 78(1)(2)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025.
According to court proceedings, ACP Manga initially argued that the prosecution was under no legal obligation to provide reasons for seeking the withdrawal.
However, after the court requested an explanation, he told the magistrate that police investigations were still ongoing and that more serious charges could be brought against the accused. He further submitted that withdrawing the case at that stage would prevent unnecessary delays and maintain an orderly court record.
Magistrate Krubally, however, declined to grant the application, ruling that the case should continue in accordance with the law.
The court subsequently fixed 30 July 2026 for the continuation of the trial.
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