By Landing Ceesay
The High Court of The Gambia, presided over by Hon. Justice Sarah Aryee, has granted bail to the former Minister of Lands, Regional Integration, and Religious Affairs, as well as the former Governor of the Central River Region (CRR), Mr. Sheriff Abba Sanyang. He has been released on bail set at D500,000.00 while awaiting the hearing and resolution of multiple criminal charges against him.
In July 2024, the Office of the Attorney General’s Chambers formally indicted Mr. Sanyang on 27 criminal charges. He is being tried alongside Pa Lamin Jobe, who is also implicated in the case.
The charges allege that between January and July 2022 in Janjanbureh, Mr. Sanyang violated the civil service Code of Conduct by awarding contracts worth hundreds of thousands of Dalasis to Sankulay Firm, a business owned by his sons. These alleged offenses took place during Mr. Sanyang’s tenure as Governor of CRR.
The charges against Mr. Sanyang include disobedience of statutory duty, economic crimes leading to substantial financial losses for the Gambian government, forgery, and the use of false documents during his time in office.
During the court session on October 24, 2024, Hon. Justice Aryee granted bail with the condition of securing one Gambian surety. The surety is required to submit their National Identity Card and Passport, while Mr. Sanyang must also deposit his Passport as part of the bail conditions.
The case has been adjourned to November 21, 2024, for further hearings.