A post-mortem examination was conducted today at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) on the body of Omar Badjie, whose death has sparked conflicting reports from his family, eyewitnesses, and police authorities.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Leigh in the presence of Dr. Daffeh, representing the family, alongside the family’s legal counsel, Ayub Johnny Njie of AJ Njie & Associates Law Chambers. The aim was to establish the official cause of death.
Circumstances surrounding Badjie’s death remain contested. According to the family and eyewitnesses, Badjie was apprehended and allegedly assaulted by security officers after being found in possession of what was described as a cannabis joint. In contrast, the police, through an official statement on their Facebook page, claim Badjie died after falling during a “hot pursuit” by officers and was later pronounced dead.
The post-mortem process began with the formal identification of the deceased. Two family members positively identified the body at the hospital’s death house before the examination commenced.
The examination was witnessed by several parties, including family representatives Tumane Badjie (Uncle) and Sarjo Jarju, legal counsel Ayub Johnny Njie, Dr. Daffeh, and police officers Sub Inspector Babucarr Touray (Serious Crime Unit), Inspector Sainabou Manjang, Cpl. Edrisa Jarju (Police Headquarters), ASP Malang Jarju (CRO), and Cpl. Babou Mbye.
Further forensic analysis—including toxicology and microscopic examinations—will follow and is expected to provide definitive insight into the cause of death, including potential trauma, pre-existing conditions, or the presence of substances.
Witnesses were informed that a formal post-mortem report will be prepared and shared with the family, a document that will be crucial in any forthcoming legal proceedings.
Following the examination, the body was formally released to the family, who have opted to retrieve it tomorrow morning for burial. Funeral services are scheduled to take place in Mandinary at 10:00 a.m.
The Gambian public and Badjie’s family now await the official post-mortem report for clarity regarding the circumstances of his death.