By: Kemo Kanyi and Nicholas Bass
The Government of The Gambia has confirmed the arrest of Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang, a former military officer of the Gambia National Army, citing significant security implications in remarks he made during a recent radio interview.
According to government sources, Mr. Sanyang was arrested on the evening of Sunday, 17th August 2025, between 21:00 and 22:00, at the Banjul International Airport.
The government said his arrest was carried out by airport security officials following information obtained through the flight manifest. It added that Mr. Sanyang was initially detained at the Airport Police Station and subsequently handed over to the Criminal Intelligence and Interpol Bureau for routine background screening.
“Following preliminary procedures, Mr. Sanyang was transferred to the Brusubi Police Station, where he was interviewed in connection with statements he made during an appearance on the Coffee Time with Peter Gomez program, aired on West Coast Radio on Thursday, 14th August 2025. The remarks made during the broadcast are considered to have significant national security implications,” the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services said in a statement on Monday.
It further states that Mr. Sanyang is currently in custody at the Brusubi Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as investigations continue.
During his recent radio interview, Mr. Sanyang alleged that the 2021 presidential election was rigged, the Sukuta–Jabang Traffic Lights police shooting was state-orchestrated, and that he was involved in the APRC political bureau arson attack, among other allegations.
Meanwhile, Speaking to the Voice Newspaper on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Cadet ASP Modou Musa Sisawo also disclosed that Sanyang, was arrested and placed in custody of The Gambia Police.
When asked to ascertain if Sanyang was charged, PRO Sisawo declined to comment further on that. He only promised to get back with the public when the need arose.
