Police Reject Claims Lawyers Were Denied Access to Detained Businessman Muhammed Reni

By Staff Writer

The Gambia Police Force has denied allegations that lawyers representing detained businessman Muhammed Reni were prevented from meeting with their client at the Banjulinding Anti-Crime Unit, saying its internal findings do not support the claims.

The clarification came after Kexx News sought a response from the Police Public Relations Officer following allegations by defense lawyer L.S. Camara that he had been denied access to Reni while in police custody.

After initially indicating that he would verify the matter, the police spokesman later said the inquiry found no evidence that Reni’s legal team had been refused access.

“The issue of the legal team being denied access isn’t accurate, according to my findings,” the Police Public Relations Officer said. “His lawyers are free to visit him, and they will be given access. You can communicate that to them.”

The police response follows comments by Counsel Camara, who told Kexx News that he spent more than 45 minutes at the gate of the Banjulinding Anti-Crime Unit without being allowed to see his client.

According to Camara, officers directed him from one senior official to another before access could be granted. He said he was first referred to Superintendent Lamin Cham, who then informed him that he would need authorization from another officer, Pa Alieu Jawara.

The conflicting accounts highlight a dispute over whether Reni’s legal representatives were able to exercise their right of access while he remains in police custody.

Reni, a businessman and associate of politician Kebba Madi, is being detained over allegations that he purchased vehicles and motorbikes to support Madi’s political activities. Police have not publicly announced whether formal charges have been filed against him.