State Brings Nine Criminal Charges Against Former Lands Minister Abba Sanyang and Six Others Over Kassa Kunda Land

The state has filed a nine-count criminal indictment against former Lands Minister Sheriff Abba Sanyang and six other defendants, alleging abuse of office and a scheme to sell state land forfeited from former President Yahya Jammeh.

The indictment, filed before Justice Jaiteh, names Mr. Sanyang, the former Minister of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs, along with Cherno Serending Sabally, Kalilu Sanyang, Bakary Gomez, Bakary Sanneh, Lamin Sabally, and Malang Jarju.

Prosecutors say the charges stem from an investigation into the management and alleged disposal of properties forfeited to the state following Mr. Jammeh’s departure from office, specifically land situated in Kassa Kunda.

According to the bill of indictment, Mr. Sanyang faces two counts. The first charge, brought under Section 90(1) of the Criminal Code, accuses him of abuse of office. Prosecutors allege that between July and December 2022, while serving as minister, he arbitrarily approved the retention of 40 percent of forfeited land in Kassa Kunda for what were described as “customary land owners.”

The second charge, under Section 114(a), alleges that in December 2022, Mr. Sanyang provided false information to the Alkalo of Kassa Kunda, claiming he had lawfully approved the 40 percent land retention while knowing the representation was untrue and likely to be acted upon.

The six co-defendants face four counts of criminal trespass under Section 285A of the Criminal Code. Prosecutors allege that they unlawfully entered the forfeited land in Kassa Kunda with the intent to sell portions of it to private companies, including Himfirm3 Company Ltd., Soninkara Real Estate, A & I Real Assets Management, and Buildmatic Construction Ltd.

In addition, the same six defendants are charged with three counts of obtaining goods by false pretense, contrary to Section 288 of the Criminal Code. The State alleges that they falsely represented that the Kassa Kunda Village Development Committee owned the land and, on that basis, obtained 12 million dalasis from Himfirm3 Company Ltd., 800,000 dalasis from Soninkara Real Estate, and 300,000 dalasis from Buildmatic Construction Ltd.

In a statement accompanying the filing, the State Law Office said the prosecution forms part of broader efforts to safeguard assets forfeited during the political transition and to ensure accountability in the management of public property.

When the matter was first called in court, neither the prosecution nor the defence was present. Justice Jaiteh adjourned the case to March 10, 2026, at 11 a.m.