Global Homes of Medical Missions
By Buba Gagigo
After the High Court ruled that the arrest and detention of the 3 staff of Global Homes of Medical Missions is unlawful and in-consistent, and violated Section 19 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, the three staff were on Friday rearrested when they visited the place to continue work.
“Friday we went back because we already had arrangements for workers to start work. Early Saturday morning we went there to drop off our equipment. And when we went, we met a whole contingent, a whole truck load, about Fifteen paramilitary or so there, but I just greeted and went ahead. I went and opened the door, where we were supposed to keep our stuff. Going back then, they all got up, surrounded me, and said I’m under arrest. I said that’s fine we should go. I was in the car with my staff, TIGO but then they came and said they will come in my car. I said I am not going to carry any police officer. So they said that TIGO needed to get out of my car and ‘I said no’. They forcefully came into the car and yanked him. Like about eleven officers.
“They carried him like a baby and threw him in their truck. I followed them to the station. When I arrived, I asked them why my staff was brought to the station, they said he is under arrest and I asked why? They said ‘in fact you are also under arrest’. I asked why? He got inside, spoke to somebody in the office, came back, and said you are under arrest and we are going to charge you. I asked for what? They said obstruction and I said that’s fine. Later, they came and said I should give a statement. I told them I’m not giving any statement. I have nothing to say. But that was after I consulted with our lawyer who told me ‘stay mute’. They went ahead, and prepared a charge sheet and charged us with obstruction of police officers in executing their duty. But we did not sign based on the advice of our lawyer. They said if we don’t sign, then they are not going to release us. That’s how we stayed here. He (ASP Drammeh) told us categorically clear that he is working based on directives. Still now as I am speaking to you we are still under detention,” Naneh Freda Gomez told reporters at the police station.
The country director of Global Homes of Medical Missions, Nenneh Freda Gomez, and other two staff- Gilbert Manga and Lamin Sey were also on 11th October arrested and charged by the police as row deepens between them over ownership of the property in Bijilo, previously housing the Police Anti Crime Unit.
Following their visit to the property, the trio were arrested, and taken to the Senegambia police post and later transferred to the Kairaba police station where they were charged with two counts of malicious injury to properties, and criminal trespassing, before this development.