The trial of Salieu Gaye, a U.S.-based Gambian man accused in a January shooting outside a Fajara nightclub, took a dramatic turn this week when his cousin testified that he watched Mr. Gaye fire a gun during a dispute over what witnesses described as “fast gas.”
Proceedings opened with a procedural clash between prosecutors and defense lawyers after Inspector Baba Jallow asked the court to bypass its first witness, citing illness, and proceed directly to the second. The defense objected, arguing that the absent witness was essential for introducing key documents.
Defense counsel B. Badjie also accused prosecutors of failing to disclose evidence in advance, warning against what he called a “trial by ambush.”
Presiding magistrate A. Manneh overruled the objection, allowing testimony to continue while ordering the prosecution to immediately furnish all outstanding documents to the defense.
The court then heard from Abdou Faal, the defendant’s cousin, who said he lived in the same compound as Mr. Gaye in Fajara and had accompanied him on the night of Jan. 19.
Mr. Faal testified that Mr. Gaye returned home that evening after dropping off his sisters, saying he had bought balloons and “fast gas,” a pressurized substance commonly inhaled recreationally. The two later went to Envy Night Club, where they each paid 1,000 dalasis for entry.
According to the testimony, the gas ran out within minutes. Mr. Faal said he urged Mr. Gaye to seek either a refill or a refund from the seller. After waiting outside the club for more than an hour, tensions escalated.
“The one who sold him the gas told Salieu, ‘If you are a boy, do something,’” Mr. Faal told the court. He said that was when Mr. Gaye pulled out a gun and fired.
Mr. Faal said he heard two shots and froze in shock.
“I was confused,” he testified. “I have never heard such a thing.”
In the chaos that followed, he said, he fled into a taxi, with Mr. Gaye following close behind. The pair were later dropped off near Legacy Apartment Junction.
During the hearing, Inspector Jallow produced a black pistol in court and asked Mr. Faal whether he recognized it. The witness said it appeared to be the same weapon he later saw at the police station.
When the prosecution sought to introduce the firearm, Mr. Badjie objected, noting that Mr. Faal had not recovered the weapon and had only seen it after the arrest. He also pointed out that no serial number or model information had been provided, arguing that the defense had been blindsided by its appearance.
Inspector Jallow said the firearm was being shown solely for identification, not formally tendered into evidence.
Magistrate Manneh adjourned the case to rule on the admissibility of the pistol, setting March 3, 2026, for arguments on the matter and March 4 for the continuation of testimony.
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