The trial of three members of the GALA movement, charged with unlawful assembly and common nuisance, proceeded with the prosecution calling its first witness. Police Superintendent Dawda Jallow of the Serrekunda Division. Superintendent Jallow, a resident of Gungur Kunkujang, testified about the events leading up to the arrest of the accused on September 16, 2025.
Superintendent Jallow, who swore by the Quran to tell the truth, confirmed to Prosecutor Commissioner Sanneh that he recognised the three accused persons in the dock.
He testified that on Monday, 16th September, 2025, he received a command about a protest at the National Audit Office (NAO), which is located within his jurisdiction in Kanifing.
He promptly mobilised approximately 50 Police Constables and proceeded to the location. Upon arrival, he first encountered a group of journalists who stated they were there for a press conference. Supt. Jallow said he confronted the journalists, demanding documentation for their presence.
“While they gathered, I asked them for a document to indicate their presence there. They said no, they didn’t have it,” Superintendent Jallow stated in court.
He told the journalists not to hold the conference, and they dispersed.
He testified that shortly after the journalists left, a group led by Omar Saiboo Camara, whom he identified as the first accused, arrived. According to the Superintendent’s testimony, Camara said they had come to gather at the NAO and wanted to stage a press conference.
“I asked them if they had any permits or documents that qualified him to be here, and he said no,” Supt. Jallow told the court. When asked about the number of people, Jallow stated, “There were many,” though he could not provide an exact figure.
He testified that he recognised the other two accused, Alieu Bah and Kemo Fatty, in the group. Superintendent Jallow claimed he asked Omar Saiboo Camara to disperse immediately, a command which Camara complied with.
Superintendent Jallow continued stating that Alieu Bah insisted on not moving, and Kemo Fatty joined him, stating they would not move and would hold the press conference without a permit.
When asked by Commissioner Sanneh how the environment appeared when the accused refused to disperse, Supt. Jallow described it as a big chaos, and then PIU officers arrived and assisted in the arrest of the two, Alieu Bah and Kemo Fatty, who were taken to the Kairaba police station.
During the cross-examination by Defence Counsel L.S. Camara, when asked whether he was the officer commanding. Superintendent confirmed he was the officer in command on the ground and had written a statement on September 16, 2025.
L.S. Camara: Did you write a statement after the arrest of the accused persons
Superintendent Jallow: Yes, I did
L.S. Camara: When did you write the statement?
Superintendent Jallow: On the 16th of September 2025
Counsel Camara applied for the prosecution to produce the statement. However, Commissioner Sanneh informed the court he did not have the statement but offered to provide it to the defence after the court session
Counsel L.S. Camara strongly objected, stating, “The prosecution is aware of the right of the accused person, and requesting their statement is their right, and when requested in court, it should be produced in court…” He added that he would not need the statement after the court, leaving the issue for the court to decide.
In her ruling, Principal Magistrate Sallah Mbye ordered the prosecution to furnish all the documents they intend to rely upon to the defence.
L.S. Camara: How many of you arrived at the National Audit Office
Superintendent Jallow: Almost 50
L.S. Camara: When you arrived at the ground with almost 50 members, did any of the accused stop you?
Superintendent Jallow: The accused weren’t there at the time of our arrival
When asked whether the accused were arrested for planning to hold a press conference Superintendent Jallow confirmed that the only reason the accused were arrested was because they wanted to hold a press conference without a permit.
Superintendent Jallow: From your evidence, the only reason you arrested them was that they wanted to hold a press conference
L.S. Camara: Yes, without a permit.
Counsel L.S. Camara that’s all for the witness.
The prosecution applied for an adjournment to call their second witness and comply with the Magistrate’s order.
The case has been adjourned to 15th December, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
By Kexx Sanneh
