Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambian judiciary continues handling the high-profile case involving Paulo Djabi, who now faces criminal charges of forgery for allegedly submitting a counterfeit medical certificate to the High Court in a bid to secure international travel approval.
According to the prosecution, Djabi submitted a fraudulent certificate claiming it was issued by Kanifing General Hospital to justify his request for medical treatment abroad. However, a letter from the hospital’s CEO dated April 4, 2024, confirmed the document was not authentic.
Djabi, who is already facing 15 charges, including drug possession and money laundering, had previously sought permission to leave The Gambia for medical reasons. His initial bail conditions, imposed by Justice Achibonga in December 2023, included strict travel restrictions.
Represented by his lawyer, Kadijatou Jallow, Djabi supported his latest travel application with a sworn affidavit, citing persistent abdominal pain and a diagnosis of kidney stones and secondary hydronephrosis.
Senior State Counsel Lamin Jarju accused Djabi of forgery, initiating an investigation led by the Serious Crime Unit. Testifying for the prosecution, Police Officer Karanlang Badjie revealed that their inquiry found no record of the doctor purportedly issuing the certificate or evidence linking the report to Kanifing General Hospital.
During the hearing, the court admitted several key pieces of evidence, including the contested medical certificate (Exhibit P1), a supporting report from the Ministry of Justice (Exhibit P2), and statements made by Djabi during the investigation (Exhibits P3 and P4).
Defense lawyer S. Tambadou initially objected to the admission of the Ministry of Justice report, arguing it did not meet the requirements of the Evidence Act. However, the objection was later withdrawn, allowing the court to proceed.
The prosecution has presented Djabi as a calculated actor attempting to bypass judicial oversight using forged documents. The defense, however, is expected to challenge the authenticity of the evidence and the validity of the charges.
Justice Jaiteh has adjourned the case to February 23, 2025, for a continuation of the hearing.
