By: Kemo Kanyi
The Manjai Sports Association (MSA) has formally written to the Inspector General of Police, accusing Deputy Commissioner Abdou Jagne of conflict of interest and undermining lawful authority in relation to the ongoing dispute over the Father Gough Sports Complex.
In a protest letter seen by The Voice, the MSA registered a strong protest concerning the conduct and actions of Deputy Commissioner Jagne of the Kanifing Municipal Police Division. The association stated that since the matter came under his purview, Deputy Commissioner Jagne has exhibited conduct that compromises the neutrality and integrity expected of his office.
The MSA explained that Deputy Commissioner Jagne is a resident of Manjai, and his community ties present a clear conflict of interest in a matter requiring impartial arbitration. The association argued that his recent actions reinforce perceptions of bias in favour of individuals protesting the duly constituted and mandated Sports Committee.
On June 27, 2025, during a meeting at Kairaba Police Station, Deputy Commissioner Jagne ordered the temporary closure of the park, permitting only the park manager and official security to access the premises. However, the association alleged that this directive was unilaterally violated the following day. On June 28, 2025, Mr. Salieu Keita and Baba Karafa Touray, chairman of the Manjai Village Development Committee (VDC), accompanied by three police officers led by ASP Jammeh, unlawfully seized the keys from the Grounds Manager and took them to Manjai Police Station under Deputy Commissioner Jagne’s directive. The Deputy Commissioner briefly arrested the park manager the very person entrusted with lawful access under the previous directive.
The MSA further stated that Deputy Commissioner Jagne escalated tensions on June 29, 2025, by declaring a “joint security arrangement” involving one of the protesters being stationed with the park’s official security personnel. This occurred after another unauthorized gathering by individuals who have repeatedly threatened to remove the elected Sports Committee by force.
The Sports Association described these decisions as effectively rewarding disorderly and illegal behaviour. They argued that Deputy Commissioner Jagne and his associates dangerously compromise the safety, authority, and mandate of the lawfully recognized management committee.
The MSA emphasized that under the guidance of the Kanifing Municipal Council, Kanifing Municipal Sports Committee, and the National Sports Council, it has maintained discipline, avoided confrontation, and consistently sought police and administrative recourse. The association stated that it is unacceptable and deeply troubling that a senior police officer would become an instrument of destabilization.
The MSA respectfully called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove Deputy Commissioner Abdou Jagne from any involvement in the Father Gough Sports Complex matter due to his conflict of interest and partial conduct. They also requested an independent investigation into his handling of recent events, including the wrongful arrest of the park manager and failure to act against known agitators, and the reinstatement of the original police directive on the temporary closure of the facility pending resolution by the Kanifing Municipal Council and Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The association expressed trust in the leadership of the office of the Inspector General of Police to uphold justice, impartiality, and respect for law and order. They stated their intention to cooperate fully with any investigative process and expressed hope that the matter will receive the urgent attention it deserves.