Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)- The Brikama Magistrate’s Court today began the inquest into the death of Omar Badjie, 27, who died on September 26, 2025, during a police operation in Mandinary. The proceedings were presided over by Magistrate Anna O. Mendy.
Before the hearing commenced, the court clarified issues surrounding correspondence with the deceased’s family. Magistrate Mendy asked Counsel Njie, representing the family, whether they had received a court letter. Njie explained the family had instructed that correspondence be served to him, rather than directly. The letter, dated October 3, 2025, from the Chief Justice of The Gambia, appointed Magistrate Mendy as Coroner to inquire into the circumstances of Badjie’s death and requested the family to make themselves available for the inquest and provide relevant materials.
Testimony of Superintendent Lamin Cham
Superintendent Lamin Cham, head of investigations at the Anti-Crime Unit in Banjul said he received a call on September 26 from the Commissioner of the Anti-Crime Unit reporting that the Mandinary Police sub-station had been attacked following Badjie’s death. He confirmed that four officers, Sulayman Jarju, CP Mamadi Jallow, CP Ebrima Touray, CP Fasainey Cham, all had encountered Badjie, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Cham said he was instructed to form an investigation panel, which included DSP Amadou Kujabi, Chief Inspector Lamin Sowe, and Sub-Inspector Buba Touray. The panel collected statements from the four officers and from eyewitnesses: Majula Jammeh, Ousainou Keita, Musa Kanyi, and Toumana Badjie.
He explained that the encounter occurred during a routine patrol, when police observed a group of youths smoking cannabis. The youths ran, and Badjie collapsed in the grass after a 200-meter chase. Officers reportedly attempted to help him stand, but he said he was too weak. Cham testified that Officer Sulayman Jarju slapped Badjie at that point.
The panel also conducted a crime scene reconstruction. Cham said a mango tree branch, allegedly used to assault Badjie, was photographed at the scene. The distance from the point where Badjie fell to the alleged crime site was measured at 353 meters.
Cham noted that Officer Jarju had provided two statements, one outside the panel and another during the panel proceedings, the latter described as a confessional statement. Statements from all four officers were admitted into evidence as LC 1 to 5, and Counsel Njie requested copies for the family, which the court confirmed would be provided.
Cham said the post-mortem examination has not yet been completed and remains essential to concluding the investigation. Sub-Inspector Buba Touray was instructed to join the family for the post-mortem.
The inquest was adjourned to Monday, October 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM, for the continuation of witness testimony and presentation of the post-mortem report
