Ismaila Ceesay on Mama Jabbie: ‘If She Broke the Law, Report Her to Police’

By Fatou Sillah

Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay said that anyone who believes social commentator Mama Jabbie has violated the law or infringed upon their rights should file a complaint with the police, arguing that the government cannot act in the absence of a formal legal complaint.

Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay was asked why authorities had not taken action against Mama Jabbie, who has drawn criticism for making derogatory remarks about opposition figures and the religious leader Imam Fatty. The question also referenced public debate surrounding a song released by the artist Nyancho.

Dr. Ceesay said the government could only intervene where there was evidence that a crime had been committed, stressing that the law applies equally to all citizens.

“If anybody feels that Mama Jabbie has crossed the line, take her to the police, and the police will take the necessary action,” he said. “I don’t listen to her; I don’t know what she said, but if people feel that their rights have really been trampled on by her, the law is here for every Gambian and not only for the people in government.”

Turning to the controversy surrounding Nyancho’s song, Dr. Ceesay said the government was not opposed to criticism expressed through music but took issue with what it considered defamatory allegations contained in the lyrics.

According to the minister, the artist could have criticized the government without accusing officials of “lying, fornication, adultery, and stealing.”

He rejected suggestions that the government had moved against the musician, saying no action had been taken.

“The state can only act where a crime has been committed, and nobody has seen the state take action against Nyancho,” Dr. Ceesay said. “Nyancho is not arrested, and the state has not issued any statement.”

Dr. Ceesay also encouraged artists to use their platforms to address public issues responsibly, saying creative expression should contribute to national discourse while remaining within the bounds of the law.