The State has filed a nine-count criminal indictment before Justice Jaiteh against the former Minister of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs, Sheriff Abba Sanyang, and seven others.
The accused face charges including abuse of office, criminal trespass, and the fraudulent sale of land formerly belonging to ex-President Yahya Jammeh.
According to the state, the criminal charges follow investigations into the management of forfeited properties from former President Jammeh in Kassa Kunda which points to Abba Sanyang, the accused include Cherno Serending Sabally, Kalilu Sanyang, Bakary Gomez, Bakary Sanneh, Lamin Sabally, and Malang Jarju.
The indictment filed by the State Law Office comprises nine counts under the Criminal Code.
Count 1: Abuse of Office contrary to Section 90 (1). The state alleges that Sheriff Abba Sanyang, while serving as Minister, arbitrarily approved the retention of 40% of forfeited land belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh for “customary land owners” between July and December 2022.
Count 2: False Information to a Public Servant contrary to Section 114 (a). Sheriff Abba Sanyang is accused of providing false information to the Alkalo of Kassa Kunda in December 2022, claiming he had approved the 40% land retention while knowing the information was false and would be acted upon.
Counts 3, 4, 5, & 6: Criminal Trespass contrary to Section 285A. The six accused Cherno Serending Sabally, Kalilu Sanyang, Bakary Gomez, Bakary Sanneh, Lamin Sabally, and Malang Jarju allegedly entered the forfeited state land at Kassa Kunda with the intent to unlawfully sell portions to Himfirm3 Company Ltd, Soninkara Real Estate, A & I Real Assets Management, and Buildmatic Construction Ltd.
Counts 7, 8, & 9: Obtaining Goods by False Pretence contrary to Section 288. The accused allegedly defrauded companies by falsely claiming the Kassa Kunda Village Development Committee (VDC) owned the land. Through the false pretences, they allegedly obtained D12,000,000 from Himfirm3 Company Ltd, D800,000 from Soninkara Real Estate, and D300,000 from Buildmatic Construction Ltd.
The state law office stated that the lawsuit represents an ongoing effort by the state to protect assets forfeited during the transition of power and to ensure accountability. When the case was called for the first time, both parties were absent and the matter was adjourned to March 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
