Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Brikama Magistrate’s Court on Friday began an inquest into the death of Omar Badjie, a 27-year-old man who died on September 26, 2025, during a police operation in Mandinary. The proceedings, presided over by Magistrate Anna O. Mendy, aim to establish the circumstances surrounding Badjie’s death.
Before the hearing commenced, the court addressed issues concerning correspondence with the deceased’s family. Counsel Njie, representing the family, clarified that all court communications should be served to him directly rather than to the family.
A letter dated October 3, 2025, from the Chief Justice of The Gambia appointed Magistrate Mendy as Coroner to conduct the inquiry and instructed the family to cooperate with the process.
Superintendent Cham’s Testimony
Testifying before the court, Superintendent Lamin Cham, head of investigations at the Anti-Crime Unit in Banjul, said he received a call from the Commissioner of the Unit on September 26 informing him that the Mandinary Police sub-station had been attacked after news of Badjie’s death spread.
Cham said four officers—Sulayman Jarju, CP Mamadi Jallow, CP Ebrima Touray, and CP Fasainey Cham—were involved in the encounter with Badjie, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to Cham, the incident occurred during a routine patrol when officers spotted a group of youths smoking cannabis.
The youths fled, and Badjie collapsed in the grass after a 200-meter chase. Officers reportedly tried to help him stand, but he complained of weakness. At that point, Officer Jarju allegedly slapped him.
Cham told the court that an investigation panel—comprising DSP Amadou Kujabi, Chief Inspector Lamin Sowe, and Sub-Inspector Buba Touray—was formed to gather statements.
Testimonies were collected from the four officers and eyewitnesses, including Majula Jammeh, Ousainou Keita, Musa Kanyi, and Toumana Badjie.
He added that the panel conducted a crime scene reconstruction. A mango tree branch, allegedly used to assault Badjie, was photographed at the site. The distance between where Badjie collapsed and the alleged assault location was measured at 353 meters.
Cham further disclosed that Officer Jarju gave two different statements: one before the panel and another described as a “confessional statement.”
Statements from all four officers were admitted into evidence and marked as LC 1 to 5. Counsel Njie requested copies on behalf of the family, which the court agreed to provide.
Pending Post-Mortem Report
Cham emphasized that the post-mortem examination is yet to be completed and is vital to determining the cause of death. Sub-Inspector Buba Touray was assigned to accompany the family for the examination.
The inquest was adjourned to Monday, October 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM, when further witness testimonies and the post-mortem report are expected to be presented.
