ACP Almameh S. Manga, Anti-Corruption Commissioner
By Staff Writer
A senior Gambian police officer and newly appointed commissioner on the Anti-Corruption Commission has denied allegations that he extorted money from a suspected land scammer after a series of social media posts accused him of secretly receiving more than D65,000 while overseeing a fraud complaint involving a D1.2 million land transaction.
The allegations were made by Dr. Muhammed Abdoulie Tekanyi, widely known as Teks, who detailed the claims in a lengthy Facebook post accusing ACP Almameh S. Manga—also known as James Manga—of soliciting and receiving payments from Sheikh Tijan Khan, a man accused of selling a disputed plot of land in Salagi to a Gambian living abroad.
According to Dr. Tekanyi, the complainant paid D1.2 million last year for a 20-by-30-meter plot advertised for sale, only to later discover that another individual claimed ownership of the same land. The transaction had been facilitated through relatives and legal counsel.
After months of unsuccessful attempts to secure a refund, the complainant sought police intervention. Dr. Tekanyi alleges that ACP Manga, who became involved in the matter, privately requested D100,000 from Mr. Khan—later reduced to D65,000—purportedly to persuade the complainant to accept alternative land compensation.
Dr. Tekanyi said Wave transfer records show that Mr. Khan made multiple payments to ACP Manga between December 2025 and January 2026, totaling D65,650. He alleged that the complainant was unaware of these transactions until screenshots were shared by Lawyer Adama Sillah, who also represents Mr. Khan.
Dr. Tekanyi further claimed that ACP Manga initially acknowledged receiving only D20,000 before later admitting to the full amount when confronted with the transaction records. He alleged that ACP Manga urged the complainant to falsely claim ownership of the money if questioned and that both ACP Manga and Assistant Inspector General Abdoulie Sanneh later threatened the complainant when the issue was raised.
Dr. Tekanyi further claimed that Lawyer Sillah provided him with the screenshots he later posted on Facebook, noting that they had been given to Sillah by Sheikh Tijan Khan. According to Tekanyi, Khan reported that Mr. Manga had extorted money from him and subjected him to harassment—allegations seemingly corroborated by a message from Mr. Manga stating, “you joking with fire.” Additionally, Lawyer Sillah alleged that Mr. Manga requires clients he represents in court to pay him before he files bail applications on their behalf, a practice that would be illegal if proven true.
The case against Mr. Khan, who was granted police bail of D50,000, has yet to be resolved nearly a year later, according to Dr. Tekanyi, prompting calls for an independent investigation by the Gambia Police Force.
In a detailed public statement of his own, ACP Manga rejected the accusations, calling them “false and misleading” and insisting that the Wave payments were for legitimate legal services rendered in his private capacity as a qualified lawyer.
He said his involvement began after a friend of the complainant contacted him from the United Kingdom, prompting him to advise that a formal complaint be filed with the police. He maintains that he merely facilitated access to the Special Investigations Unit and did not interfere with institutional processes.
ACP Manga said Mr. Khan later requested his professional assistance in drafting a deed of assignment as part of efforts to resolve the dispute, and that the money transferred to him reflected payment for that service.
“For the avoidance of doubt, legal drafting services rendered by me, like those rendered to many others, are subject to professional consideration,” he wrote. “The Wave transaction referenced online was payment for this lawful service and nothing else.”
He added that official verification later revealed the disputed land was registered in the name of Mr. Khan’s father and had been re-entered by the state in 2003, making the transaction legally untenable. ACP Manga said he subsequently disengaged from the matter and advised investigators to proceed.
He denied exerting any influence over the case, noting that it is now under the authority of the Commissioner of Prosecutions and has been registered at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court. He attributed delays to the opening of the legal year, which affected court sittings nationwide.
“There was no corruption, no inducement, no extortion, and no interference with justice,” ACP Manga said, adding that he welcomed a full independent investigation and would step aside temporarily if required to protect institutional integrity.
The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of public officials, particularly those appointed to anti-corruption roles. ACP Manga suggested the allegations were being amplified by individuals opposed to his nomination to the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Dr. Tekanyi, meanwhile, has called for the Gambia Police Force to launch a formal inquiry, arguing that the integrity of the justice system is at stake.
“If I am found culpable, let the law take its full course,” ACP Manga said. “My conscience is clear.”
Comments are closed.