High Court Orders EFSTH to Submit Medical Report in Abdoulie Sanyang Bail Proceedings
High Court Judge Justice Ebrima Jaiteh has ordered the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) to produce a comprehensive medical report on former soldier Abdoulie Sanyang to assist the court in determining his bail application.
Sanyang faces charges of arson and interference with judicial proceedings, stemming from remarks he allegedly made during an interview on Peter Gomez’s Coffee Time radio program.
During the court proceedings, Counsel L.J. Darbo, J. Jeng, and F. Bondi appeared for the applicant, while Counsel L.L. Jobarteh and S. Jawara represented the State.
The court had earlier directed EFSTH to conduct a medical examination and submit its findings by October 20, 2025. However, the hospital failed to meet the deadline, citing “logistical challenges” in a letter submitted by its Administration and Human Resources Department.
Expressing disappointment over the delay, Justice Jaiteh reminded the hospital of its statutory duty under Section 125 of the New Criminal Procedure Act, 2025, which mandates government health institutions to provide certified medical reports in bail applications based on ill health. The provision is particularly relevant in cases where the accused faces a possible life sentence and bail may only be granted under exceptional circumstances.
Justice Jaiteh stressed that EFSTH’s obligation goes beyond acknowledging the court’s directive; it must ensure full compliance through the timely production of a detailed, certified medical report.
To that end, the judge ordered the Chief Medical Director of EFSTH to:
- Set a definite date within a reasonable timeframe for completing and submitting the report.
- Clearly state in the report whether the Mile II Central Prison has the medical facilities necessary to manage and treat Sanyang’s condition while in custody.
The case has been adjourned to October 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. for the hospital to produce the report. The medical practitioner responsible for examining Sanyang and preparing the report has also been ordered to appear in person before the court to present and speak to the contents of the report.
“The court expects strict and prompt compliance with the directives in the interest of justice and to facilitate the fair determination of the applicant’s bail application,” the presiding judge stated.