The High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, has adjourned the bail application for Abdoulie Sanyang, who is facing a charge of arson, an offense carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and Judicial Interference, an offense carrying a sentence of three years.
The application was filed by Abdoulie Sanyang counsel Lamin J Darboe seeking for the bail of the accused on medical grounds
The application was brought pursuant to Section 19(5) and 24(3)(a) of the 1997 Constitution and Section 125(1)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2025.
The Applicant’s counsel, L. J. Darboe, sought an order for the unconditional release of the accused (Applicant) or, in the alternative, an order ensuring his access to specialized medical treatment in Switzerland to address a “severe health condition” and prevent further deterioration.
The application was supported by an affidavit sworn to by the accused Abdoulie Sanyang (Applicant’s) wife, Isatou Jaiteh.
On the grounds bail Counsel for the accused (Applicant), Counsel J. Darboe, submitted that Abdoulie Sanyang’s case meets the criteria for exceptional circumstances to be admitted to bail, as prescribed by Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2025, which states that a person charged with a capital or serious offense may only be admitted to bail under exceptional circumstances.
Counsel Lamin J Darboe stated that the exceptional circumstance is the accused (Abdoulie Sanyang) serious ill health, which was alleged to be certified by a qualified medical practitioner employed in a government hospital.
In the supporting affidavit it detailed that Abdoulie Sanyang was arrested on August 17, 2025, and subsequently detained. The affidavit claimed he has a medical history including Hypertension, a post-lumbar sacral surgery, and the presence of a metal plate and screws in parts of his body. Also, he was also reportedly diagnosed with Acute Psychosis at the Psychiatric unit at EFSTH after his detention.
In support of the ill-health Counsel Lamin J Darboe referred the Court to Exhibit AS3, a medical report issued by one Yusupha Jabang, described as a qualified medical practitioner and also the Chief Superintendent of Prisons.
The affidavit also asserted that due to his health, the Mile 2 Central Prison is not a suitable environment and cannot provide the necessary special diet recommended for him.
State Counsel S. L. Jobarteh, representing the Attorney General, opposed the application. In Counsel S.L. Jobarteh affidavit in opposition, sworn to by Kaddijatou Bah, a Legal Clerk at the Attorney General’s Chambers, State denied the paragraphs concerning the Applicant’s health and the suitability of the prison environment.
Counsel S.L Jobarteh affidavit asserted that the Mile 2 Central Prisons clinic is capable of attending to Abdoulie Sanyang medical and dietary needs, including affording him access to homemade food.
Counsel Jobarteh further submitted that a diagnosis of psychosis or psychiatric-related medical conditions does not preclude the Abdoulie Sanyang (Applicant) from standing trial.
Counsel S. L Jobarteh also raised objection to Exhibit AS3, the medical report from the prison medic. Counsel Jobarteh affidavit objected exhibit AS3 and it’s characterization of Yusupha Jabang as a medical officer on the grounds that such an averment was not made in the supporting affidavit and therefore was not properly before the Court.
In response to this objection, Counsel L. J. Darboe sought an adjournment to enable him to obtain a new medical certificate from a duly qualified medical practitioner employed in a government hospital, in compliance with the strict requirements of Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2025.
In his ruling, Justice Jaiteh granted the request to obtain a new medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner employed in a government hospital. Accordingly, the matter was adjourned to the 14th day of October 2025 at 1:30 p.m. for continuation.
By Kexx Sanneh.
