The Court of Appeal has commenced the hearing of Yankuba Badjie’s former intelligence Chief appeal against his conviction and sentence.
Yankuba Badjie is seeking to overturn his 13th July, 2022, conviction and sentence by Justice Kumba Sillah of the Banjul High Court. Yankuba Badjie was found guilty of murder and other offences related to the 2016 death of political activist Solo Sandeng. He was sentenced to death.
When the case was called today, Counsel Christopher Mane and Counsel Pauline represented the appellant, Yankuba Badjie. But, no representatives for the respondent (the State) were present.
The court noted that official records confirm the Ministry of Justice was served with a hearing notice on 20th January, 2026.
Counsel Christopher Mane informed the court that Yankuba Badjie filed the appeal himself while in Mile 2 and served with the hearing notice in custody, he is now fully represented by him as counsel. Counsel Mane stated that they are prepared to file additional or amended grounds of appeal and requested a short date.
The Appellant Court granted counsel Mane’s request to file the amended notice of Appeal. The case adjourned to 17th February 2026
In a firm stance against the State’s absence, the court issued a warning that the Ministry of Justice would be served with a hearing notice and that their failure to appear would result in “serious consequences.”
In his filled notice of appeal, Yankuba Badjie maintains he is not guilty of the offenses charged. He asserts that the High Court’s judgment is not supported by the evidence presented during the trial and he’s appealing both the conviction and the death sentence imposed.
The Court of Appeal has commenced the hearing of Yankuba Badjie’s former intelligence Chief appeal against his conviction and sentence.
Yankuba Badjie is seeking to overturn his 13th July, 2022, conviction and sentence by Justice Kumba Sillah of the Banjul High Court. Yankuba Badjie was found guilty of murder and other offences related to the 2016 death of political activist Solo Sandeng. He was sentenced to death.
When the case was called today, Counsel Christopher Mane and Counsel Pauline represented the appellant, Yankuba Badjie. But, no representatives for the respondent (the State) were present.
The court noted that official records confirm the Ministry of Justice was served with a hearing notice on 20th January, 2026.
Counsel Christopher Mane informed the court that Yankuba Badjie filed the appeal himself while in Mile 2 and served with the hearing notice in custody, he is now fully represented by him as counsel. Counsel Mane stated that they are prepared to file additional or amended grounds of appeal and requested a short date.
The Appellant Court granted counsel Mane’s request to file the amended notice of Appeal. The case adjourned to 17th February 2026
In a firm stance against the State’s absence, the court issued a warning that the Ministry of Justice would be served with a hearing notice and that their failure to appear would result in “serious consequences.”
In his filled notice of appeal, Yankuba Badjie maintains he is not guilty of the offenses charged. He asserts that the High Court’s judgment is not supported by the evidence presented during the trial and he’s appealing both the conviction and the death sentence imposed.
