TRRC Holds NIA DG Responsible For Destruction Of Evidence, Recommends Him Be Banned For At Least 10 Years

By Buba Gagigo

The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) has found the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) responsible for the destruction and concealment of evidence at the NIA and recommended him be banned from holding public office for at least 10 years.

“Ousman Sowe, the current Director General, be banned from holding public office with the government of The Gambia for a minimum period of 10 years [for] destruction and concealment of evidence at the NIA,” the commission said in its report.

The commission also recommends Yankuba Badjie, the former Director General of the NIA and Sheikh Omar Jeng be prosecuted for their role in the torture of Solo Sandeng and co while at the agency.

“Yankuba Badjie, Sheik Omar Jeng and Tamba Masireh be prosecuted for their role in the torture against Solo Sandeng and the April 14th 2016 UDP demonstrators at the NIA. Edrissa Jobe (Alagie Morr) be prosecuted for the torture against Lamin Karbou and others at the NIA. Lamin Darboe, the head of the Special Operations Unit, be prosecuted for his role in all the tortures committed by Special Operations at the NIA,” it said.

The TRRC also recommended 3 three other members of the  NIA Special Operations Unit be reprimanded for torture.

“Basiru Sey, Alasan Baldeh and Gibril Kanyi be reprimanded for all the tortures they committed as members of the Special Operations Unit. Lt. Col. Amadou Bojang, Ebrima Ceesay, Babucarr Trawally, Alpha Bejang and Babucarr Singhateh be reprimanded for the torture and unlawful detention of Pa Alasan Jallow, Ebrima Keita and Musa Fofana,” the commission said.

The commission also recommended all NIA staff must undergo adequate and comprehensive training to inculcate the culture of discipline and values that promote respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms and upholding the rule of law in a democratic system.