Murder Case Against Buba Jallow Transferred to High Court as Suspect Allegedly Mocks Victim’s Family

Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday transferred the murder case against Buba Jallow, who is accused of killing Ebrima Njie, to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court after ruling that it lacks jurisdiction to hear capital offenses.

Jallow appeared before Magistrate F. J. Camara of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, where Chief Inspector Bojang and ASP S. Bah represented the Inspector General of Police. The accused was not represented by counsel.

Court Declines Jurisdiction

When the matter was called, Chief Inspector Bojang applied under Section 72 of the Criminal Procedure Act, arguing that the offense of murder is a capital offense carrying a possible sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty upon conviction. He submitted that the Magistrates’ Court lacked jurisdiction to try the case.

The prosecution therefore asked the court to transfer the matter to the High Court for hearing and determination and requested that the accused be remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison pending trial under Section 228 of the Criminal Offences Act.

In her ruling, Magistrate Camara agreed with the prosecution that the charge of murder placed the matter beyond the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court.

She ordered that the case be transferred to the High Court under Section 228 of the Criminal Offences Act and remanded Jallow to Mile 2 Central Prison pursuant to Section 72 pending the hearing and determination of the case.

According to the charge sheet, Jallow allegedly stabbed Ebrima Njie in the mid-upper back with a knife on June 29, 2026, at Latrikunda German in the Kanifing Municipality, causing his death.

He has been charged with murder contrary to Section 155 and punishable under Section 156 of the Criminal Offenses Act 2025.

Bravado, Provocation, and Middle Finger

Following the court’s ruling, Jallow behaved provocatively as he was escorted from the courtroom to the police vehicle.

Eyewitnesses corroborated by video captures said the accused smiled, insulted journalists, raised both middle fingers towards the crowd, including members of the deceased’s family, and blew kisses. He also allegedly suggested that videos of his actions be shared on TikTok to generate attention.

The case will now proceed before the Special Criminal Division of the High Court, where Jallow is expected to take his plea. Until then, he will remain in custody at Mile 2 Central Prison.