Pablo Jabbi, one of the accused
Paulo Djabi, along with his wife Nadine Ismael de Gouveira Pereira and Mamadu Neto Djabi, are facing 21 criminal charges in connection with illegal drug activities and money laundering.
During today’s hearing, State Counsel Lamin Jarju informed the court that a motion had been filed to amend charges for counts 19 and 20 and to add a new charge—count 21. The motion, dated January 29, 2025, requests the court’s approval to modify these charges.
Defense attorney S. Tambadou raised no objections to the motion. Presiding Judge Justice Jaiteh granted the request, ordering the amended charges to be read aloud to the first accused, Paulo Djabi, so he could enter a plea.
The amended count 19 charges Paulo Djabi with money laundering, under section 22(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorist Financing Act. The state claims that between 2021 and 2023 in Fajara, Djabi concealed the illicit origin of money he knew was criminal proceeds by converting it into thirteen vehicles of various types and models.
In the amended count 20, Djabi again faces a charge of money laundering for allegedly converting criminal proceeds into three motorbikes of different types and models, between 2021 and 2023 in Fajara.
In the newly added count 21, Djabi is charged with money laundering for allegedly using illicit funds to purchase a jet ski between 2021 and 2023 in Fajara.
Paulo Djabi pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the court entered a formal not guilty plea.
The prosecution then called its first witness, PW 3, Babucarr Ngom, a Captain in the Gambian military and a resident of Farato. Ngom testified that he recognized Djabi from a joint investigation conducted in August 2023. He explained that on August 16, a briefing was held at the National Security Adviser’s office concerning South American drug operatives. Djabi’s name came up during this briefing, prompting the team to set an ambush at Envy Night Club.
After the club closed, they stopped Djabi’s car on his way home, informing him of his arrest. A preliminary search revealed a waist belt containing a substance, which was later confirmed by a drug enforcement officer.
The investigation continued at Djabi’s apartment, where additional materials were discovered, and it was revealed that Djabi owned numerous cars and jet skis.
When asked about Mamadu Neto Djabi, the third accused, Ngom explained that they met him at the Bundung Police Station, where Paulo Djabi was being held. They escorted Mamadu Neto Djabi to his residence in Baraka Estate. During a search of the house, a drug substance was discovered and tested by a drug law officer.
Ngom confirmed his ability to recognize the seized drug. When shown the substance in court, Ngom identified it as the one they had seized during the investigation.
State Counsel Lamin Jarju requested that the substance be entered into evidence. However, defense lawyer S. Tambadou informed the court that he would object to the submission, citing time constraints due to another matter he had scheduled before a high court judge.
The case is scheduled to resume on March 3, 2025, at 11:30 AM.