Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Police Force has confirmed the re-arrest of Ebou Secka, the prime suspect in the alleged murder of Ebrima Ceesay, following a months-long manhunt. Secka, who escaped from police custody in December 2024, was apprehended in Senegal through coordinated efforts between Gambian and Senegalese law enforcement agencies.

Secka was initially arrested on October 6, 2024, after being identified as a key suspect in Ceesay’s disappearance. However, as investigators struggled to confirm the victim’s fate—complicated by the family’s refusal to acknowledge a body at the mortuary—Secka was held on a separate robbery charge to prevent unlawful detention while inquiries continued.

On December 19, 2024, in a shocking turn of events, Secka managed to escape from police custody, prompting an extensive manhunt. The authorities also launched an internal investigation to determine the circumstances of his escape.

Following his capture in Senegal, Gambian and Senegalese authorities are now working on the extradition process to return Secka to The Gambia, where he is expected to face charges related to Ceesay’s alleged murder.

The Gambia Police Force has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring justice is served, emphasizing that the case will be handled with transparency and in strict adherence to the rule of law.

Ceesay was reported missing in July 2024. An unidentified body was found in a swamp in Kampant village, Foni Kansala district. Villagers buried the body hastily not knowing the circumstances surrounding Ceesay’s death.

Authorities exhumed the remains and transferred them to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital for identification. Despite initial rejection, the family of the deceased formally identified Ceesay as their missing son only on December 26, 2024, five months after the body was found.