Court Grants Bail to Boy Charged with Attempted Murder After Officer Clung to Moving Vehicle

The Banjul Magistrates’ Court has granted bail to a juvenile accused of attempted murder and three additional offences following an incident in which a police sergeant was allegedly carried on the bonnet of a moving vehicle from Banjul to Manjai.

The accused, Abdul Wahab Jobarteh, appeared before Principal Magistrate Krubally, charged under four counts pursuant to the Criminal Offences Act, 2025. The prosecution was led by Commissioner Sanneh, representing the Inspector General of Police, alongside a team of senior officers, while the accused was represented by Counsel Adama Sillah. Proceedings were conducted with interpretation into Wolof, which the accused elected to speak.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on 5 June 2026 along Hegan Street in Banjul, when a roadside dispute over vehicle documentation escalated. It is alleged that Jobarteh drove off at high speed while Sergeant 4485 Alagie Badjie was on the bonnet of the vehicle, transporting him involuntarily across several locations to Manjai.

The first count charges Jobarteh with attempted murder, contrary to Section 168 of the Act, alleging that he unlawfully attempted to cause the death of the officer by driving at excessive speed under the circumstances. The second count, under Section 109(a), relates to reckless and negligent acts likely to endanger human life. The third count accuses him of disobedience of lawful orders for allegedly refusing to produce vehicle documents upon demand. The fourth count, under Section 195, alleges common assault against another officer, identified as Alagie Barry, whose hands were reportedly struck by the vehicle’s side mirrors.

The charges were read and explained to the accused, who pleaded not guilty to all counts.

In opposing bail, Commissioner Sanneh argued that the offences were serious and that investigations were ongoing, with the possibility of additional charges. He further submitted that the accused’s release could pose a risk to his own safety, citing intelligence suggesting potential public backlash due to the nature of the allegations.

Defence counsel Adama Sillah countered that the law permits bail in the circumstances, citing relevant provisions of the Criminal Offences Act. He argued that the prosecution had failed to demonstrate any legal grounds for refusal of bail, such as likelihood of absconding, interference with investigations, or commission of further offences. Counsel Sillah also invoked constitutional protections, including the right to liberty and the presumption of innocence, and assured the court that suitable sureties were available.

In reply, the prosecution maintained that the right to liberty is not absolute and urged the court to deny bail.

In his ruling, Magistrate Krubally held that the offences are bailable and that bail remains within the court’s discretion. The court subsequently granted bail to the accused in the total sum of D250,000, broken down as follows: D100,000 for the attempted murder charge and D50,000 each for the remaining three counts.

The accused was further ordered to provide four responsible Gambian sureties, each gainfully employed or engaged in business. The sureties must submit valid identification, contact details, and sworn affidavits of means, undertaking to ensure the accused’s attendance in court and to forfeit the bond in the event of default.

The matter has been adjourned to 16 June 2026 for continuation of proceedings.