Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The High Court in Banjul, presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, has adjourned the bail application of former Gambian soldier Abdoulie Sanyang to October 14, 2025, following a request from the defense for additional time to secure medical certification in support of its case.
Sanyang, currently facing charges of arson and offences relating to judicial proceedings, was represented by Counsel Lamin J. Darbo of Dabanani Law Chambers. The prosecution was led by State Counsel S. L. Jobarteh, assisted by S. Jawara.
The defense filed the bail application under Sections 19(5) and 24(3)(a) of the 1997 Constitution and Section 125(1)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2025.
Counsel Darboe argued that Sanyang’s detention at Mile 2 Central Prison posed a severe risk to his health and that he required specialized medical treatment unavailable within the prison system.
In a supporting affidavit, Sanyang’s wife, Isatou Jaiteh, detailed his medical history, which includes lumbar surgery with metal implants, a diagnosis of acute psychosis, and ongoing treatment for hypertension.
A medical report by Chief Superintendent of Prisons Yusupha Jabang stated that the prison environment could not adequately provide for his dietary and healthcare needs.
Counsel Darbo maintained that Section 125 permits bail for serious offenses under exceptional circumstances, such as severe illness certified by a government medical practitioner. He urged the court to consider Sanyang’s condition as meeting this threshold to prevent further deterioration of his health.
The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that Mile 2 was equipped to manage Sanyang’s medical needs and that the evidence presented failed to meet the statutory requirements.
State Counsel Jobarteh further noted that the defence’s medical report was not endorsed by a government hospital practitioner, as required by law.
Supporting the state’s position, Kaddijatou Bah, a legal clerk at the Attorney General’s Chambers, filed an affidavit denying that Sanyang required special medical or dietary arrangements unavailable at Mile 2.
She added that his psychiatric diagnosis did not prevent him from standing trial and that the defense had not demonstrated exceptional circumstances warranting bail.
In his ruling, Justice Jaiteh acknowledged the health concerns raised but agreed with the prosecution that the documentation submitted did not satisfy the legal standards for granting bail in serious cases.
He stressed that bail remains discretionary and may only be granted upon clear, certified medical evidence from a recognized government hospital.
Justice Jaiteh granted the defense’s request for more time to produce the necessary certification and adjourned the matter to October 14, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
Sanyang was arrested at Banjul International Airport on August 17, 2025, following a radio interview in which he made controversial claims about the 2021 presidential election and alleged government involvement in the killings of Ousainou and Amie Bojang.
Initially charged with arson, seditious intention, incitement to violence, and offenses relating to judicial proceedings, only two counts remain before the High Court after jurisdictional issues led to the dismissal of the other charges at the Magistrate’s Court.
