Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The inquest into the death of Omar Badjie, who died following an encounter with police officers on 26 September 2025, continued yesterday before Magistrate Anna.
The fourth witness, Nurse Muhammed Jaiteh, officer-in-charge of the Mandinaring Health Centre, concluded his testimony. When asked by the presiding magistrate whether he had anything further to add, Mr. Jaiteh replied, “In the evidence where I stopped is what I know.” He tendered his college certificate, which was admitted into evidence before he was discharged.
The court then heard from the fifth witness, Nurse Sunkaru Demba. Ms. Demba, a resident of Lamin and currently posted at the Mandinaring Health Centre, said she was on duty on the day the late Omar Badjie was brought in unconscious.
She explained that she works as a nurse attendant, receiving patients, checking temperatures, and assisting trainee nurses.
In response to questions about her qualifications, Ms. Demba said she completed Grade 12 in 2004 and applied to the Ministry of Health in 2009. After passing an interview, she underwent three weeks of training before being appointed. Her appointment letter was tendered and admitted into evidence.
Outlining her work history, the witness stated she was first posted to Faji-Kunda Health Centre from 2009 to 2021, then transferred to Makumbaya in November 2021, and later to Mandinaring Health Centre in April 2025, where she remains stationed.
Recalling the events of 26 September 2025, Nurse Demba testified, “I was at Mandinaring Health Centre around 10 a.m. when four police officers brought in an unconscious patient. I helped them place him on the bed and called my boss, Mr. Muhammed Jaiteh.”
She said Mr. Jaiteh questioned the officers, who reportedly told them that they encountered the deceased in possession of cannabis, chased him, and that he fell before they brought him to the health center.
According to the witness, Mr. Jaiteh instructed her to place the patient on oxygen, which she did before leaving the room. She later accompanied the patient to Kanifing General Hospital, along with two family members and one police officer.
The inquest was adjourned to 10 November 2025 at 1:30 p.m. for continuation of the testimony of the fifth witness.
