By: Binta Jaiteh
The Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has called for urgent and full implementation of the parliamentary report on the Russian Oil Scandal, emphasizing the prosecution of key government ministers and corporate figures involved in the $30 million petroleum fraud.
On July 10, 2025, after a year-long inquiry, the National Assembly adopted the report by the Joint Committees on Finance and Public Accounts (FPAC) and Public Enterprises (PEC), revealing illegal importation and sale of nearly 37,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products in 2023. The report uncovered serious violations, including abuse of office, corruption, tax evasion, and money laundering committed by public officials, businesspeople, and financial institutions.
Central to the report are calls for the removal of Minister of Petroleum Abdoulie Jobe and Minister of Interior Abdoulie Sanyang for misconduct. It also recommends the prosecution of GamPetroleum’s General Manager, Yorro Jallow, alongside business figures Aurimas Steiblys of Apogee FZC, Nana Koranteng of Creed Energy, and Nana Akufo of Ultimate Beige. Furthermore, Access Bank and ECOBANK were implicated for breaches of anti-money laundering regulations.
In a statement released on August 11, 2025, EFSCRJ expressed grave concern over the absence of any government action a full month after the report’s adoption. The organization urged the President and National Assembly Members to fulfill their constitutional duties by taking immediate steps to hold those implicated accountable. EFSCRJ called on Parliament to initiate motions of censure for the ministers and for President Adama Barrow to remove Yorro Jallow from his position at GamPetroleum. It also demanded that the Inspector General of Police open criminal investigations and prosecute those named in the report, while the Central Bank Governor should sanction the banks involved.
EFSCRJ stressed the need for stronger inter-agency coordination and the creation of whistle-blower protection laws to prevent future abuses. The organization reminded public officials that they have sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and serve The Gambia without bias or favor. Failure to implement the report fully, it warned, would amount to dereliction of duty and contempt of Parliament.
Highlighting the widespread culture of corruption in government, EFSCRJ emphasized that unchecked corruption threatens peace, progress, and justice. The group called on all citizens, civil society organizations, political parties, and development partners to hold leaders accountable and support the implementation of the report.
“2025 must truly be the Year of Transparency and Accountability,” EFSCRJ declared, urging swift action to restore public trust and safeguard the nation’s future.
