Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A Special Investigation Unit (SIU) officer on Friday told the High Court that former soldier Abdoulie Sanyang admitted during a radio interview that he contributed money toward the arson attack on the APRC Bureau in Kanifing.
Testifying as Prosecution Witness 5, Ousman Gibba of the SIU said Sanyang appeared on the “Coffee Time” program with journalist Peter Gomez on 14 August 2025, where he made “serious and concerning statements” that triggered an investigation.
According to Gibba, once the SIU reviewed the interview, an order was issued for Sanyang’s arrest, and the airport commissioner was instructed to detain him if he attempted to leave the country. He was later arrested and taken to the SIU for questioning.
Gibba told the court that in the interview Sanyang alleged, among other claims, that former President Yahya Jammeh was involved in election malpractice in 2021.
Gambian courts operated “clandestinely” by failing to conclude the case involving the shooting of PIU officers at the Sukuta–Jabang traffic junction.
He “participated financially” in the arson attack on the APRC Bureau in Kanifing, and he contributed to the “Three Years Jotna” protest and engaged in other politically charged activities.
On the alleged funding of the APRC arson, Gibba said Sanyang did not provide the names of the individuals who allegedly received money from him, nor did he provide transaction details to substantiate the claim.
The witness also described Sanyang’s condition in custody, stating that he was in good health when first taken to the SIU but later experienced medical complications while detained at Mile II Prison. Police subsequently sent medication to him.
Items recovered from the accused at the time of arrest included a Swiss residence permit, a Swiss work permit, an iPhone in poor condition, a watch, and a bag containing medical documents.
Gibba confirmed he prepared the inventory list, which the court admitted into evidence without objection. He also confirmed under questioning from Justice Ebrima Jaiteh that Sanyang’s passport was in police custody, though it had been omitted from the inventory due to what he described as an oversight.
When asked about the credibility of Sanyang’s statements on air, Gibba said he believed the admissions were genuine because Sanyang appeared “sound-minded” during the interview.
Justice Jaiteh then asked, “Did you just believe him like that as an investigator?” to which Gibba replied, “Of course I did.”
During cross-examination, defense lawyer Fatoumatta Bondi questioned whether the SIU had obtained any financial records to prove Sanyang had funded the arson attack.
Gibba conceded that the investigation had uncovered no bank statements, receipts, or other documentary evidence, and that Sanyang did not provide names or details of those he claimed to have paid.
Bondi also noted that the video of the radio interview had not yet been tendered into evidence; Gibba said he had viewed it during the investigation but could not confirm whether the prosecution had submitted the playback copy to the court that day.
Gibba further testified that Sanyang stated his return to The Gambia was connected to a demonstration organised by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA).
The prosecution informed the court that it intends to play the video interview as evidence. Justice Jaiteh adjourned the matter to Monday at 11:30 a.m. for the video playback, with further testimony scheduled to continue at 2:00 p.m.
