Police Officer Testifies GALA Members Refused to Disperse Before May 8 Arrests

Chief Superintendent Dawda Jallow, the Chief of Operations for the Kanifing Metropolitan Police Command, told the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on Thursday that 14 members of GALA were arrested on May 8, 2026, after allegedly gathering at the Westfield Youth Monument without a security permit from the Office of the Inspector General of Police.

Jallow was the prosecution’s first witness in the trial before Magistrate B. Sowe.

Deputy Commissioner M. Jallow and Inspector Baba Jallow appeared for the Inspector General of Police, while Counsel L.S. Camara represented all 14 accused persons.

The accused are Omar Saibou Camara, Hakeem Touray, Alieu Sarr, Omar Sanyang, Abdoulie T. Bah, Ebrima Janha, Alieu Bah, Muhammed Sillah, Mamadou Jallow, Kemeseng Sanneh, Fallou Galas Cesay, Kaddy Jadama, Maimuna Bah and Ebrima Kaira.

They face two charges: unlawful assembly, contrary to Section 63 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, and common nuisance, contrary to Section 137(1) of the same Act. Prosecutors allege the group assembled at the Westfield Youth Monument without obtaining the required security permit from the Inspector General of Police.

Taking the witness stand after being sworn in, Chief Superintendent Jallow testified that he has served as Chief of Operations for the Kanifing Metropolitan Command for the past two years and is responsible for coordinating operational policing activities within the municipality.

He told the court that on May 8, 2026, while on duty between noon and 6 p.m., he received information from the regional command that members of GALA had gathered at the Westfield Youth Monument.

Jallow said he led a team of officers to the location, where he encountered the group and spoke with Omar Saibou Camara. According to his testimony, Camara confirmed that those present were GALA members who had gathered to hold a meeting.

The witness testified that he asked whether the group had obtained a security permit from the Office of the Inspector General of Police. He said Camara replied that they did not require one.

Jallow told the court that he informed the group that the meeting could not proceed without the necessary permit. He alleged that the accused then began chanting, “The meeting will hold,” while shouting and refusing to disperse.

Responding to questions from the prosecution, Jallow said the group was assembled inside the Youth Monument and that he informed them they were creating a public nuisance by shouting without lawful authorization.

He testified that he warned the group they would be arrested if they failed to leave the premises, but they remained at the scene.

Jallow further told the court that he requested assistance from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU). He said officers led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Landing Bojang arrived shortly afterward and again asked the group whether they possessed a security permit.

According to the witness, the accused maintained that they did not have a permit and continued chanting, “The meeting will hold,” while refusing police instructions to disperse.

He testified that the PIU subsequently arrested all 14 accused persons for allegedly assembling without the required security permit.

The matter was adjourned until September 15, 2026, when Chief Superintendent Jallow is expected to continue his testimony.