Abdoulie Sanyang in court
The High Court has fixed February 10, 2026, for the delivery of judgment in the arson and judicial interference case involving former soldier Abdoulie Sanyang, marking the final stage of the protracted legal battle between the State and the accused.
Presiding Judge, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, set the date after both the prosecution and the defence concluded their final written submissions.
In his closing arguments, State Counsel Jobarteh submitted that the prosecution had discharged its burden of proof, relying principally on what he described as clear and unequivocal admissions made by the accused.
Counsel Jobarteh drew the court’s attention to three key exhibits: Sanyang’s cautionary statement (Exhibit P3), a video recording of an interview in which the accused allegedly discussed his role in the incident (Exhibit P7), and an audio recording of a radio broadcast supplied by West Coast Radio (Exhibit P9).
“My Lord, in all these exhibits, the accused person made very clear admissions to the offences with which he is charged,” Counsel Jobarteh told the court, adding that under Gambian law, facts admitted by an accused person do not require further proof.
The State further argued that criminal liability is not limited to physically carrying out an offence but also extends to facilitating or financing it. Counsel Jobarteh maintained that Sanyang’s own statements in the video and audio recordings demonstrated that he contributed financially to the burning of the APRC Bureau in 2016.
Responding to the defence’s contention that Sanyang was not physically present at the scene, Counsel Jobarteh submitted: “You do not need to be on the ground to commit a crime. ‘Contributed’ would also indicate that he financed the burning down of the APRC Bureau.”
The prosecution also relied on the testimony of Prosecution Witness Six (PW6), Omar Touray, who was on duty on the night of the fire and testified that the building was destroyed by individuals believed to be members of the security forces.
On the charge of judicial interference, the State argued that public comments made by Sanyang regarding ongoing court cases involving Ousainou Bojang amounted to interference with the administration of justice. Counsel Jobarteh contended that the remarks were intended to show disrespect for the courts and to misrepresent judicial processes.
For the defence, Counsel F. Bundi adopted the defence’s final written brief, insisting that the prosecution had failed to meet the legal threshold required to secure a conviction. Rather than offering a detailed oral rebuttal, defence counsel relied on the submissions already before the court.
“We ask the Honourable Court to acquit and discharge the accused person,” Counsel Bundi concluded.
With both sides having closed their cases, Justice Jaiteh adjourned the matter for judgment. The court will deliver its decision on February 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
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