High Court Orders Medical Exam for Abdoulie Sanyang, Accused in Arson and Judicial Interference Case
The High Court of The Gambia, presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, has ordered a comprehensive medical examination for Abdoulie Sanyang, who is facing charges of arson and judicial interference—offenses that carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
The ruling followed an ex parte motion filed by Sanyang’s defence counsel, J. Jeng and F. Bondi, seeking the court’s intervention to obtain a medical report in support of their client’s bail application on health grounds.
In delivering his decision, Justice Jaiteh described the motion as “meritorious and ought to be granted,” citing the statutory requirements of the new Criminal Offences Act, 2025. He noted that the act mandates that any accused person charged with a capital or serious offence who applies for bail on medical grounds must present a report issued by a qualified medical doctor employed in a government hospital.
Justice Jaiteh explained that Sanyang’s earlier bail application was rejected because the submitted medical report had not been issued by a government-employed doctor, as required by law.
In granting the motion, the court issued two key directives:
- The Director General of Mile 2 Central Prisons is ordered to facilitate the transfer of the accused, Abdoulie Sanyang, to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) for a comprehensive medical examination.
- The Chief Medical Director of EFSTH is instructed to ensure that the examination is conducted thoroughly and that the resulting report is sealed and submitted directly to the court.
The court further ordered that the sealed medical report be presented at the next hearing, scheduled for Monday, 20th October 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
During the proceedings, State Counsel L. Jobarteh opposed the motion, arguing that the defence should independently arrange for the medical examination rather than “use the court as a backdoor.”
Justice Jaiteh firmly rejected that argument, emphasizing that judicial oversight of the process is essential to maintain transparency and credibility.
“This is a government report coming to the court, and there will be no tampering,” he stated, stressing that the new procedure ensures the authenticity and integrity of medical evidence presented in criminal proceedings.
The case has been adjourned to 20th October 2025 for the submission and review of the medical report.