GAMBIA: Thirteen Public Official Corruption and Fraud Cases Before Courts

According to the Gambia’s government, 13 cases of corruption and fraud involving high-ranking governmental officials, law enforcement personnel, and civil servants are presently being prosecuted at different phases.

The report was given at a news conference held in response to a petition filed by the civil society organization Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), which calls for accountability in the management of public funds.

The cases, which cover several government ministries and agencies, are described by Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Seedy Keita. The charges range from economic crimes and official corruption to fraud, forgery, and breach of trust.

A synopsis of the cases is provided below:

1. State v. Bala Kandeh, Omar Ceesay & Momodou Lamin Keita
   – A former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health and a former Programme Manager of the National Malaria Control Programme are among those charged with corruption and economic crimes. Prosecution has closed its case.
2. State v. Amie Sarr & Five Others
   – Staff of the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation face corruption and fraud charges. The state has closed its case, with the defence set to proceed.
3. State v. Ousman Bahuma & Four Others
   – Immigration Department staff accused of corruption and related offences. Prosecution has called all its witnesses.
4. State v. Abba Sanyang & Pa Modou Jobe
   – The former Governor of the Central River Region and an accountant face charges of economic crimes and fraud. Prosecution is ongoing.
5. State v. Yusupha Cham & Two Others
   – Ministry of Justice, Registrar General’s Department staff charged with economic crimes and fraud. Prosecution is ongoing.
6. State v. Jacqueline Kanteh & Others
   – A Gambia Post Authority staff member and alleged accomplices at a bank are charged with forgery and related offences. Trial continues.
7. State v. Ebriam Janko Colley & Others
   – A magistrate and two judicial staff face charges of fraud and breach of trust. The case is progressing.
8. State v. Bubakar S.M. Jobarteh
   – The former Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is charged in connection with the diplomatic passport scandal. Prosecution is complete; judgment is pending.
9. State v. Mansa Sumari & Ebrima Sanneh
   – A protocol officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a State House driver also face charges in the diplomatic passport scandal. Trial is concluded; judgment is awaited.
10. State v. Lamin Banda
    – A police commissioner charged with theft. The case remains ongoing.
11. State v. Cherno O. Cham & Babou Secka
    – NAWEC staff charged with official corruption. Trial is underway.
12. State v. Ousman Jammeh
    – A GNPC pump attendant accused of absconding with over D1.16 million in sales. He has been charged with theft.
13. State v. Ebrima Krubally
    – A supervisor at GNPC’s Bansang station is accused of siphoning funds through tank shortages. The case is pending further legal advice.

Minister Keita emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring accountability within public institutions and reassured the public that due process will be adhered to in all current cases.