In addition to the 21 counts Paulo Djabi is currently facing in an ongoing criminal trial, the Attorney General’s Chambers Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has filed further charges against him.
Due to alleged drug-related charges, Paulo Djabi, a Bissau-Guinean who lives in The Gambia with his family, has been involved in legal conflicts with the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) since 2023. According to authorities, Djabi was found in possession of illicit and controlled substances at his home in Fajara, Kanifing Municipality. He was also found in possession of substantial amounts of cash in a variety of currencies, including dollars, euros, Gambian Dalasi, and CFA.
The DPP consequently brought 21 criminal accusations against him, including claims of drug-related criminality and money laundering.
The DPP filed four fresh accusations against Djabi on September 30, 2024, including perjury and evidence fabrication.
According to Section 95(3) of The Gambia’s Criminal Code (2009), Djabi is charged with perjury and subornation of perjury in the first charge. In the lawsuit between him and the Attorney General (suit No. HC/857/23/CR/170/CO), the State claims that Djabi intentionally provided false testimony under oath on March 8, 2024.
According to the second complaint, Djabi violated Section 98(b) of the Criminal Code by allegedly falsifying evidence. According to the State, Djabi misled the High Court in his continuing case on the same day by using a fabricated medical report as evidence.
In violation of Section 99(b) of the Criminal Code, Djabi is charged with false swearing in the third charge. In the same case, the State claims that Djabi made a false swear before a commissioner of oath.
In the fourth complaint, Djabi is accused of using Section 330 of the Criminal Code to obtain the execution of documents under false pretenses. According to the State, Djabi deceitfully misrepresented his health status on February 8, 2024, in order to get Dr. L. Faye to sign a medical report.
On these new counts, Djabi has not yet entered a plea. In relation to the current trial, in which he is facing 21 accusations, he has been granted bail. D120 million is the amount of bail that High Court Judge Ebrima Jaiteh gave him.
In the criminal case with suit number HCJ484/24/CR/106/A0, the accused is on trial and has been granted D120,000,000.00 bail. Consequently, the bail amount in this case is D120,000,000.00. Hon. Justice Jaiteh directed that a copy of this ruling be sent to the High Court’s Principal Registrar.
The plea hearing has been postponed until October 22, 2024.
