The Government of The Gambia last week announced that five (5) people have been indicted before the High Court in Banjul presided by Honourable Justice Basiru Mahoney following investigations by the ‘Joint Investigative Panel’ into the recently foiled coup plot to oust the democratically elected Government of President Adama Barrow. “ Consistent with the due process of the law, the accused who were arraigned on the 17th January, 2023 reappeared ... on 25th January, 2023 facing new bill of indictment,” the release indicated.
Having submitted its preliminary report, the investigative panel, the release added was expected to complete its work on or before the initial deadline of 29th January, 2023.
“Those charged are: Lance Corporal Sana Fadera, the accused ring leader of the coup plot; Petty Officer Gibril Darboe; Corporal Ebrima Sanno; Corporal Omar Njie and Police Sub-Inspector Fakebba Jawara”.
The accused are charged with four (4) counts of:
I. Treason;
II. Concealment of Treason;
III. Conspiracy and
IV. Inciting mutiny.
Prosecution for the four (4) accused soldiers and one police officer commences on Thursday 31st January, 2023”.
Meanwhile, the press release indicated that the sixth co-conspirator, Petty Officer Lamin Jadama, remains at large as a treasonous fugitive from justice and on Interpol Red Notice. “While Captain Ebrima Baldeh, Second Lieutenant Omar M. Colly and Corporal Bakary Njie have been exonerated, three others remain under protective custody|”.