The legal battle between the State and former soldier Abdoulie Sanyang has moved into its final phase. Following the submission of final briefs by both the prosecution and the defence, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court has scheduled February 10, 2026, as the day he will deliver the final verdict that will decide Abdoulie Sanyang’s fate on charges of arson and judicial interference.
State Counsel Jobarteh, in his final submission to the court, argued that the prosecution had successfully met its burden of proof. State counsel Jobarteh’s argument rests on what they describe as unequivocal admissions made by Sanyang himself.
Counsel Jobarteh directed the court’s attention to three exhibits: the personal cautionary statement (Exhibit P3), Video footage of the interview where Sanyang allegedly discussed his actions (Exhibit P7) and an audio recording of the broadcast provided by West Coast Radio (Exhibit P9).
“My lord, in all these exhibits… the accused person made very clear admissions to the offences with which he is charged,” Jobarteh stated. He emphasised that under Gambian law, facts that are admitted by an accused person do not require further proof.
State counsel Jobarteh’s final brief was the legal distinction between physically committing an act and facilitating it. Counsel Jobarteh argues that Sanyang’s own words in the video and audio recordings prove he financed and contributed to the 2016 burning of the APRC Bureau.
Addressing the defence’s attempt to distance Sanyang from the actual scene of the fire, Counsel Jobarteh told the court
“Our submission is that you do not need to be on the ground to commit a crime… Contributed would also indicate that he has financed the burning down of the APRC Bureau.”
Counsel Jobarteh also relied on the testimony of PW6, Omar Touray, the eyewitness on duty during the night of the fire, who confirmed the building was destroyed by individuals believed to be security forces.
On the allegations of the Judicial Interference charge, Counsel Jobarteh maintained that Abdoulie Sanyang’s public remarks regarding Ousainou Bojang’s ongoing court cases constituted judicial interference. Counsel Jobarteh argued that Abdoulie Sanyang’s statements were intended to show “disrespect to our courts” and misrepresent the administration of justice.
Representing the accused, Counsel F. Bundi moved to adopt the defence’s final brief, Counsel F. Bundi maintained that the State had not met the legal threshold to convict the former soldier.
Rather than engaging in a point-by-point rebuttal of the state counsel’s submission in the oral summary, Counsel Bundi relied on the arguments detailed in their written brief. Counsel Bandi concluded with a clear and firm demand to the court:
“We ask the Honourable Court to acquit and discharge the accused person.”
With both legal teams having rested their cases, the focus now shifts to Justice Ebrima Jaiteh. Justice Jaiteh will weigh the prosecution’s reliance on Abdoulie Sanyang’s public admissions against the defence’s plea for his freedom.
Justice Jaiteh has adjourned the matter for a final decision. The judgment will be delivered on 10th February, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
