Pa Modou Njie, former Principal Magistrate
A former Principal Magistrate of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court has been formally indicted on charges of drug trafficking and official corruption, in a case that has gripped court watchers and raised alarm over judicial integrity in The Gambia.
Pa Modou Njie appeared before Justice Sonia Akinbiyi at the Banjul Annexe High Court, where he pleaded not guilty to two criminal charges: dealing in prohibited drugs and corrupt conduct while in public office. The charges stem from allegations that, while serving as a magistrate, Mr. Njie unlawfully took custody of confiscated cocaine and accepted a bribe to influence the outcome of a criminal case.
The indictment comes months after the case was first brought before the Bundung Magistrates’ Court, where it was struck out by Magistrate I. Dibba due to what the court cited as a lack of diligent prosecution. The State Law Office has since revived the matter with a new bill of indictment.
According to court documents, Mr. Njie is accused of unlawfully possessing 104 blocks of cocaine between August 16 and 22, 2023. The cocaine, originally seized in the high-profile case of DLEAG v. Abdoulie Saidyba and Ndey Jatta, were reportedly under court custody when Mr. Njie, acting without legal authority, took control of the narcotics. Prosecutors allege that he falsely assumed the role of exhibit keeper—a position designated for officers authorized to safeguard evidence.
On the second count, Mr. Njie is charged under Section 86(a) of the Criminal Code with official corruption. Prosecutors allege that on October 16, 2024, he received a cash payment of D70,000 from a man identified as Michael Ezee, also known as “Chairman.” The payment, authorities contend, was a bribe intended to influence Mr. Njie’s judicial rulings in unspecified criminal matters before him.
The State informed the court of its intention to call six witnesses, including a sitting High Court judge, a police prosecutor, a court caretaker who allegedly observed Mr. Njie’s handling of the cocaine, and the man said to have paid the bribe. Prosecutors will also rely on Mr. Njie’s cautionary statements and a formal letter he allegedly wrote to the Judicial Secretary in connection to the case.
Justice Akinbiyi granted the prosecution’s request for an adjournment to prepare its witnesses. The trial is scheduled to resume on July 1 and 2.