By Staff Writer
The Ministry of Justice announced on Wednesday that the drug case against Pa Modou Njie, a chief magistrate recently indicted on narcotics charges, remains active and is now proceeding before the High Court in Banjul, despite a magistrates’ court having struck out the initial case last month.
In a statement signed by Solicitor General Hussein Thomasi, the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Justice sought to clarify public confusion surrounding the status of the case. Officials emphasized that the dismissal of the case by the magistrates’ court on May 22 was a procedural step with no bearing on the substance of the prosecution.
“The striking out of the case by the magistrates court on the 22nd May, 2025 was expected as the state had no intention of prosecuting such a high-profile case before the Magistrates’ Court, ” the statement read. Authorities explained that the magistrates’ court was never intended to be the final venue for the high-profile matter. Instead, the accused had initially appeared in magistrates’ court on what the ministry described as a “holding charge” pending the completion of investigations.
On May 28, a formal indictment was filed at the High Court, where the case is now moving forward.
Pa Modou Njie, who served as a chief magistrate prior to the charges, stands accused of involvement in drug-related offenses. Specific details of the allegations have not yet been publicly disclosed, but the case has attracted considerable attention in the country, given Mr. Njie’s senior judicial position.
The Ministry of Justice, in its statement, reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to ensure accountability and justice for all crimes,” signaling the state’s intent to pursue the matter to its conclusion, regardless of the defendant’s stature.