Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)- The High Court in Banjul under Justice Ebrima Jaiteh has adjourned the bail application of former Gambia soldier Abdoulie Sanyang to October 14, 2025, after the defence requested additional time to secure medical certification in support of its claims.
Sanyang, who is facing arson and offences relating to judicial proceedings charges, was represented in court by Counsel Lamin J. Darbo of Dabanani Law Chambers, while the prosecution was led by State Counsel S. L. Jobarteh, assisted by S. Jawara.
The bail application was brought under Sections 19(5) and 24(3)(a) of the 1997 Constitution and Section 125(1)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2025. The defence argued that Sanyang’s detention at Mile 2 Central Prison posed a serious risk to his health and that he required specialized medical treatment unavailable within the prison system.
In her supporting affidavit, Sanyang’s wife, Isatou Jaiteh, outlined the former soldier’s medical history, citing prior lumbar surgery involving the insertion of metal plates and screws, a diagnosis of acute psychosis, and ongoing treatment for hypertension. The affidavit included a medical report prepared by Chief Superintendent of Prisons Yusupha Jabang, which stated that the prison environment could not adequately meet Sanyang’s dietary and healthcare needs.
Counsel Darboe emphasized that Section 125 allows bail for persons charged with serious offences under exceptional circumstances, including documented severe illness certified by a qualified government medical practitioner. He requested that the court consider Sanyang’s medical condition as meeting this threshold and grant bail to prevent further deterioration of his health.
The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that Sanyang’s medical needs could be adequately addressed at Mile 2 and that the evidence provided did not comply with Section 125’s requirements. State Counsel Jobarteh further submitted that the medical report relied upon by the defence was not endorsed by a government hospital practitioner, and no special circumstances had been demonstrated that would justify the granting of bail.
Opposing the bail request, Kaddijatou Bah, a Legal Clerk at the Attorney General’s Chambers, filed an affidavit on behalf of the state. She denied that Sanyang’s medical condition necessitated special dietary or medical arrangements unavailable at Mile 2, noting that the prison was capable of providing adequate care, including homemade meals. The affidavit stressed that his psychiatric diagnosis did not preclude him from standing trial and that the defence had not demonstrated exceptional circumstances warranting bail.
In his ruling, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh acknowledged the health concerns raised but agreed with the prosecution that the documentation before the court did not meet the statutory requirements. He highlighted that, for serious offences, bail is discretionary and may only be granted upon clear evidence of exceptional circumstances, properly supported by medical certification from a recognized government hospital.
Justice Jaiteh therefore granted the defence’s request for an adjournment to allow the submission of the required medical certificate and set the matter for continuation on October 14, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
Brief Context:
Sanyang was arrested at Banjul International Airport on August 17, 2025, after a public 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 facing four charges, including arson, seditious intention, incitement to violence, and offences relating to judicial proceedings, only two counts remain before the High Court after the others were dropped due to jurisdictional issues at the Magistrate’s Court.
