Buba Jallow Alleges Poor Prison Conditions as High Court Orders Medical Assessment

Buba Jallow, who is awaiting trial on a murder charge, told the High Court in Bundung on Thursday that he has been denied access to medical care and held in conditions without adequate ventilation while in custody at Mile 2 Central Prison, prompting the presiding judge to direct prison authorities to ensure he receives appropriate medical attention.

Jallow is accused of murdering Ebou Njie in Latrikunda German.

When the matter was called before Justice I. Janneh, State Counsel W. K. Drammeh appeared for the prosecution, while Jallow was unrepresented.

Asked by the judge whether he had secured legal representation, Jallow said he had been unable to do so because he had been held in what he described as a sealed cell since his detention, with limited contact with his family. He also told the court that the clothes he wore to the hearing had been borrowed from another inmate.

Jallow further alleged that although he had been prescribed medication, he had been denied access to a doctor. He said he remained confined in a sealed cell without fresh air and was unable to see anyone outside his detention area.

State Counsel Drammeh informed the court that the matter was scheduled for mention and requested an adjournment to allow the State time to file a bill of indictment.

Justice Janneh questioned Jallow about his medical complaint, asking whether he had in fact been prescribed medication for an illness. Jallow replied that he had.

The judge also asked whether he had reported the matter to prison authorities. Jallow said he had and identified a prison officer present in court, alleging that the officer had denied him access to a doctor and confiscated his prescription.

After hearing the parties, Justice Janneh noted that the case had been transferred from the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court and said the High Court would not assume jurisdiction until the State filed a bill of indictment. She ordered the prosecution to file the indictment within 30 days.

Addressing Jallow’s medical complaint, Justice Janneh directed prison authorities to have him examined at the prison health facility. She further ordered that if his condition required treatment beyond the facility’s capacity, he should be referred to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital for further medical care.

The matter was adjourned until October 2026, after the court’s vacation, for further proceedings.