Court Grants Defence Time to Review Amended Indictment in Sanna Manjang Trial

The High Court has granted defence counsel additional time to review a newly filed amended bill of indictment in the criminal case against former military officer Sanna Manjang, following the introduction of an additional charge by the prosecution.

Presiding judge Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh approved the request after the defence argued that more time was needed to study the revised charges and properly advise the accused.

When the matter was called, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions E.R. Dougan appeared for the state alongside B. Badjie, while the accused was represented by defence counsel Sheriff K. Jobe.

Dougan informed the court that the state had filed an amended bill of indictment dated March 6, 2026, introducing additional charges against Manjang. The revised indictment contains six counts, including allegations of murder, conspiracy, and assault stemming from incidents allegedly committed during Manjang’s time with the Junglers, also referred to as the “black black” group.

According to the prosecution, Counts 1 and 2 relate to alleged murders that occurred in 2006 in Kanilai. The State alleges that Manjang unlawfully caused the deaths of Kajali Jammeh, also known as “Le Cock,” by cutting his neck with a knife, and Samba Wurry by stabbing him in the chest. Prosecutors contend the acts were carried out with malice aforethought.

Counts 3 through 6 relate to allegations of conspiracy and assault following a failed coup attempt in March 2006. Prosecutors allege that Manjang participated in the torture of detainees at the headquarters of the National Intelligence Agency.

The state alleges that Manjang, acting with others, assaulted Tamsir Jasseh by beating and kicking him, causing severe injuries. In a separate incident, prosecutors claim that Yaya M.S. Darboe was subjected to severe abuse, including being beaten with sticks, having melted plastic dripped onto his body, and being hoisted in a sack.

Following the announcement of the amended indictment, defence counsel Jobe requested an adjournment, stating that the defence required sufficient time to review the new charges and advise the accused on the appropriate course of action.

The prosecution did not oppose the request.

Justice Jobarteh subsequently adjourned the case until Friday at 10:00 a.m., when the court is expected to take the accused’s plea on the amended indictment and continue with the testimony of the third prosecution witness.