Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – The public prosecutor at the High Court of Dakar has stated that Abdoulaye Ba, a second-year dental student at Cheikh Anta Diop University, died after jumping from the fourth floor of a campus building to escape a fire during violent clashes on February 9, dismissing widespread rumors that he was beaten to death.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, eight days after the unrest that rocked the university and sparked national concern, the prosecutor said the conclusion was based on autopsy findings, witness accounts, video surveillance, and police investigations.
Invoking Article 11 of Senegal’s Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows prosecutors to release information to counter misinformation, the magistrate said there was no evidence that Ba suffered fatal violence at the hands of security forces or others.
“The available investigative elements do not allow us to corroborate the hypothesis or rumor according to which violence was carried out against the person of Abdoulaye Ba,” the prosecutor said.
According to investigators from the Criminal Investigation Division, Ba jumped from the fourth floor of Pavilion F on the university’s social campus after a fire broke out in a neighboring room. Thick smoke and flames reportedly blocked the corridor, trapping Ba and his roommates inside.
The prosecutor said there was “never any physical contact between him and the defense and security forces,” citing statements from roommates, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence.
The autopsy determined that Ba died from severe internal bleeding caused by cerebral and thoraco-abdominal injuries consistent with a fall.
The injuries, mainly on the left side of his body, supported the conclusion that he landed on his left side after the jump. Other students in the same room also jumped to escape, suffering fractures and sprains.
Emergency Exit Closure Raises Manslaughter Concerns
While ruling out murder or intentional killing, the prosecutor said investigations are ongoing and could result in criminal charges related to the fire or safety failures.
One line of inquiry concerns whether the fire was deliberately set. If confirmed, those responsible could face involuntary homicide charges if their actions indirectly caused Ba’s death.
Another key focus is the reported sealing of an emergency exit in the building. Investigators said the exit was allegedly closed on the instructions of officials from the university’s social services authority, preventing students from evacuating safely.
“The purpose of an emergency exit is to facilitate the evacuation of people in danger each time a disaster occurs,” the prosecutor said, adding that those responsible could face charges for recklessness causing death.
Students Arrested, Police Also Under Investigation
The prosecutor confirmed that several students suspected of organizing and carrying out acts of violence and vandalism during the clashes have been arrested and placed in custody. They are expected to appear before an investigating judge on Wednesday, February 18.
At the same time, investigations have also been opened into certain police officers accused of exceeding acceptable limits while restoring order, including allegations of assault against subdued individuals and damage to property.
“We don’t intend to protect anyone,” the prosecutor said, emphasizing that accountability would apply to all parties.
The investigations, conducted jointly by the Dakar Central Police Urban Security unit and the Criminal Investigation Division, are expected to be completed in the coming days, with authorities promising a further statement outlining final conclusions and possible charges.
Family Promised Justice
In closing, the prosecutor expressed sympathy for Ba’s family and pledged that justice would be pursued.
“Whether he was beaten to death, tortured, or fell from the fourth floor, the result is the same. They lost a son, and they have the right to demand justice,” he said.
