In a dramatic turn in the ongoing economic crime and theft trial involving Alhagie Kebbeh and his company, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court has issued a stern directive ordering the appearance of two senior government officials — or face imprisonment for contempt of court.
The case revolves around allegations that between 2020 and 2021, Alhagie Kebbeh received D64,080,000 from 39 vendors for the supply of 58,500 bags of 50kg rice to the Gambian government during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the state alleges that only 17,096 bags were delivered, leaving 41,404 bags unaccounted for — an act the prosecution claims amounts to an offence under Section 5(f) of the Economic Crimes Act.
Kebbeh is also facing a separate charge of theft under Section 245 of the Criminal Code, with prosecutors accusing him of stealing the undelivered rice — property of the government — which was meant to support vulnerable families during the pandemic. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges.
On Monday, the trial took a significant step forward as Justice Jaiteh invoked his authority under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, ordering the personal appearance of Mr. Hassan Jallow, the former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, now serving at the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and the current Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade.
According to the court order, Mr. Jallow is required to testify in relation to a witness statement he gave to the Gambia Police Force on June 12, 2023. The court emphasized that his testimony is “vital” to the proceedings and he must remain available until officially discharged.
The current Permanent Secretary of Trade is directed to appear in court and produce two key sets of documents:
Correspondence from Win-Win Oil Gambia Ltd: A letter dated December 7, 2020, addressed to the Ministry of Trade confirming the stock of rice held on behalf of Halim’s Trading, as well as 38 similar letters sent to other vendors.
Letter to the WFP: Dated February 17, 2022, this document from Win-Win Gambia Ltd was addressed to Mr. Yasuhiro Tsumara, WFP Representative and Country Director, with a copy sent to the Minister of Trade.
Justice Jaiteh attached a Notice of Contempt to the order, warning that failure by either official to appear would be considered an act of contempt of court, punishable by sanctions, including possible imprisonment.
To reinforce compliance, the judge further ordered that copies of the court order be served to the Ministers of Communications and Digital Economy and of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment — making it clear that their cooperation is essential in ensuring the summoned officials appear as required.
The matter has been adjourned to May 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with Justice Jaiteh expecting full compliance with the court’s order.