Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Hon. Yahya Menteng Sanyang, the National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji and a prominent figure in the United Movement for Change (UMC), has been released without charge following his detention and questioning by police over alleged electoral irregularities.
Mr. Sanyang was initially summoned to the Fagikunda Police Station in connection with the ongoing supplementary voter registration exercise, where he was accused of attempting to assist individuals in obtaining voter identification cards under questionable circumstances.
Authorities later invoked witness testimonies and emerging evidence alleging that he may have been involved in efforts to register minors using fraudulent birth certificates, claims they described as a potential threat to electoral integrity.
However, after hours in custody and interrogation, the lawmaker was released without formal charges.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page shortly after regaining his freedom, Mr. Sanyang maintained his innocence and struck a defiant tone. “I am not charged with any crime because I did not commit any crime. I am more resolute and determined now than before,” he wrote.
Scenes of jubilation erupted among UMC supporters following news of his release, with videos circulating online showing crowds celebrating what they viewed as a vindication of the lawmaker.
The case had earlier escalated when Mr. Sanyang’s initial bail was reportedly revoked as investigators pursued additional leads, raising political tensions around the matter. His detention also drew swift backing from Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, a leading UMC figure, who publicly expressed solidarity.
“Thank you, UMC! Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere! We believe in you, Honourable Yahya Menteng Sanyang. Though far, my thoughts are with you,” Mr. Bensouda said in a message shared online.
Despite Mr. Sanyang’s release, police confirmed that investigations into the alleged document fraud are ongoing. The inquiry is part of broader scrutiny surrounding the voter registration process, which has become a focal point of political contestation ahead of future elections.
Authorities are also reportedly examining similar allegations involving operatives linked to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in a separate case in Tanji, underscoring growing concerns over the integrity of the registration exercise.
The developments come at a sensitive moment in The Gambia’s electoral cycle, with heightened political activity and increasing vigilance by authorities and stakeholders seeking to ensure a credible and transparent voter registration process.
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