A Special Select Committee of the National Assembly investigating the sale and disposal of assets belonging to former Gambian president Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh has recommended a series of investigations and disciplinary measures against several public officials following alleged irregularities that resulted in economic loss to the state and a breakdown in official procedures during a controversial sale operation.
At the centre of the recommendations is Hon. Justice Sheriff B. Tabally, who the report proposes should be referred to both the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for investigation. According to the findings, Justice Tabally may have played a role in actions that led to economic loss to the state, as well as possible negligence and dereliction of duty. The report further advises that the authorities determine whether any additional offences may have been committed and take appropriate action based on the outcome of their investigations.
The report also raises concerns about the involvement of Alieu Jallow, who is said to have participated in activities at the sale ground without a clearly defined legal mandate. Investigators concluded that his involvement contributed to a breakdown in the established official process and created conditions that led to irregularities in the conduct of the sale. As a result, the report recommends that Jallow be formally reprimanded. In addition, it calls for him to be referred to the appropriate appointing authority and to the Inspector General of Police for further investigation regarding possible economic loss to the state and any other offences that may be uncovered.
Attention was also drawn to the conduct of Mr. Ebrima Cham, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the GLMA. The report recommends that Cham be strongly reprimanded by his appointing authority for what investigators described as negligence and dereliction of duty. The findings suggest that failures in oversight at the board level may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the disputed sale.
Furthermore, the report highlights the roles played by officers within the Sheriff’s Department who were directly involved in carrying out the sale. Specifically named are Seedy Fatty, Deputy Sheriff, and Modou Musa Ceesay, a Bailiff. Both officers are recommended for administrative disciplinary action by the Judicial Service Commission. In addition, the report calls for a criminal investigation by the Inspector General of Police to determine whether their actions constituted any criminal offences.
Investigators have urged that these actions be taken promptly, recommending that the disciplinary and criminal investigations involving the Sheriff’s Department officers be initiated within 60 days of the report’s submission.
The recommendations mark a significant step toward ensuring accountability in the handling of public matters. Authorities are now expected to review the report’s findings and determine the next course of action in accordance with the law.
