The High Court of The Gambia, Kanifing Annex has on Friday 20th February 2026 granted interim supervisory orders in constitutional proceedings arising from matters examined in the National Assembly Joint Committee Report into petroleum importation and related financial transactions.
The proceedings were initiated by Ousman F. M’Bai, a Gambian and British legal practitioner, in the public interest pursuant to constitutional provisions concerning judicial oversight, accountability, and the safeguarding of public funds.
The Originating Summons raises constitutional and public law questions concerning ministerial directives, regulatory oversight, law enforcement action, and the protection of public revenue identified in the Parliamentary Report.
The Court has granted interim orders directing the following Respondents to file sworn affidavits disclosing defined categories of assets, financial interests, and specified foreign travel within a defined period:
1. Mr. Abdoulie Jobe, former Minister of Petroleum and Energy;
2. Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang, Inspector General of Police at the material time
3. Mr. Yerro Jallow, former General Manager of Gam-Petroleum;
4. Mr. Pa Alieu Jawara, Officer Commanding of the Serious Investigations Unit at the material time;
5. The Attorney General of The Gambia (as formal party).
The Court has also granted limited preservation orders restraining the dissipation of significant assets pending further hearing.
In addition, certain third parties have been directed to preserve and produce defined categories of records relevant to the matters examined by the Parliamentary Committee. These include:
1. Gam-Petroleum Company Limited;
2. Access Bank (Gambia) Ltd;
3. Ecobank (Gambia) Ltd;
4. The Registrar of Companies;
5. The Central Bank of The Gambia (limited to regulatory and compliance records).
The interim orders were granted ex parte (without notice) and are protective in nature. They do not constitute findings of wrongdoing or liability. The Respondents are entitled to appear before the Court and contest the orders.
The Court has directed that the substantive Originating Summons and supporting materials be served together with the interim order. As the matter remains before the Court, no further comment will be made at this stage.
