Bail Hearing for Abdoulie Sanyang Adjourned as State Requests Time to Respond
The High Court in Banjul has adjourned the bail application hearing of Abdoulie Sanyang after the state requested additional time to file its response.
Counsel Lamin J. Darboe, representing the accused, filed an originating summons seeking bail for his client, who faces four criminal charges previously lodged at the Magistrate’s Court before the case was transferred to the High Court.
During Monday’s proceedings, Counsel Darboe informed the court that the State had been duly served. However, presiding judge Justice Jaiteh noted that under the law, an originating summons must be heard eight days after filing.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) A.M. Yusuf confirmed that the State received the summons earlier that morning and requested two days to prepare a reply. Justice Jaiteh granted the request and adjourned the bail hearing to Wednesday, October 8.
On the substantive case, the court has yet to receive the bill of indictment following the transfer from the Magistrate’s Court, effectively halting progress on the main trial. The transfer became necessary after it was determined that the Magistrate’s Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the charge of arson.
Sanyang is facing four counts under the Criminal Offences Act, 2025:
Count One: Arson (Section 283)—The prosecution alleges that in 2016, at Kanifing South, Sanyang willfully participated in planning and setting fire to the National Bureau of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC).
Count Two: Seditious Intention (Section 48(2)(a), punishable under Section 50(1)(a)) – It is alleged that on August 14, 2025, during the Coffee Time Show on West Coast Radio, Sanyang made remarks accusing the President of electoral malpractice during the 2021 presidential elections, statements purportedly intended to incite hatred or contempt against the Head of State.
Count Three: Incitement to Violence (Section 58(1)(a)) – The prosecution claims that during the same radio appearance, Sanyang admitted to financially supporting the “Three Years Jotna” movement in connection with an illegal protest demanding the President’s resignation.
Count Four: Offences Relating to Judicial Proceedings (Section 99(1)(i)) – The final charge alleges that during the August 14 radio program, Sanyang referred to the ongoing trial of Ousainou Bojang as a “clandestine court,” a remark the prosecution considers contemptuous of judicial proceedings.
The case resumes on October 8 for continuation of the bail hearing.