Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The High Court in Banjul, presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, has ordered the Chief Medical Director of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) to submit a detailed medical report on accused person Abdoulie Sanyang, after the hospital failed to comply with an earlier directive.

Delivering the order on Monday, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh reminded the hospital of its statutory duty under Section 125 of the new Criminal Procedure Act, 2025, which mandates government hospitals to provide medical certification in bail applications based on ill health.

The renewed directive follows a letter dated 20 October 2025, sent to the court by Mr. Samba Bah on behalf of the Chief Medical Director.

The letter acknowledged receipt of the court’s order but indicated that the medical report could not be completed as scheduled due to “logistical challenges.”

Justice Jaiteh described the hospital’s response as “falling short of compliance,” stressing that the court’s directive was not simply to acknowledge receipt but to execute the order in full.

He therefore directed the Chief Medical Director to provide a definite completion date for the medical report and ensure its timely submission.

The court further instructed that the report must clearly state whether adequate medical facilities exist at the Mile II Central Prisons to manage Mr. Sanyang’s health condition while in detention.

Additionally, the medical practitioner who conducts the examination and prepares the report must appear in person before the court on the next adjourned date to present and explain the findings.

State Witness Testifies on Abdoulie Sanyang’s Arrest and Statements

Meanwhile, the court also heard the continuation of testimony from the first prosecution witness, Cadet Inspector Mbye Conteh, who recounted events surrounding Abdoulie Sanyang’s arrest and interrogation over remarks he made on the radio program Coffee Time with Peter Gomez.

Testifying before Justice Jaiteh, PW1 said Sanyang was arrested at the Banjul International Airport on 17 October 2023, while preparing to travel to Switzerland, following an order by Commissioner Pa Jawara.

He told the court that Sanyang was first detained at the Airport Police Station, later transferred to Brusubi Police Station, and eventually taken to Banjul, where he appeared before a police panel comprising Inspector G. Bah, Alieu Jallow, Corporal Binta Kujabi, and others.

“The panel’s purpose was to question him about comments he made on Coffee Time,” Conteh said, adding that all the questions were based on the interview.

During the interrogation, the witness said Sanyang maintained that he had “done nothing wrong and was exercising his rights as a citizen.” He appeared to be in good physical condition but later informed the panel that he had undergone surgery and had iron implants in his back following an accident.

PW1 further testified that Sanyang referenced the 2023 Sukuta-Jabang shooting, questioning why the Inspector General of Police had not been charged, and also criticized the 2021 presidential election, alleging irregularities.

Conteh added that Sanyang claimed to have financed the burning of the APRC bureau, believing it contained hidden voter cards belonging to supporters of former President Yahya Jammeh.

During cross-examination, defense counsel Lamin J. Darboe challenged the police’s handling of Sanyang’s medical needs, arguing that officers failed to act promptly after being informed of his health condition.

“When a suspect tells you he has medical conditions, you need to address them immediately,” Darboe argued.

In response, the witness said Sanyang appeared healthy at the time of arrest and that his medication was later collected and given to him.

When asked whether the police verified Sanyang’s claim about financing the APRC bureau fire, PW1 admitted that investigators did not confirm whether he was in the country at the time or contact anyone he mentioned.

Counsel Darboe suggested that Sanyang may have been bluffing, to which the witness replied, “I am not in a position to know if he was bluffing or not.”

At the close of the testimony, the prosecution applied for PW1 to be discharged. The case was adjourned to 28 October 2025 for continuation of hearing with the next witness.