By: Cecilia E. L. Mendy
Former military officer Abdoulie Sanyang appeared before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court in Banjul on Tuesday, 7th October 2025, where he pleaded not guilty to two counts of arson and interference with judicial proceedings.
The charges were read to him in English, a language he confirmed he understands.
State counsels S. L. Jobarteh, S. Jawara, and M. Sarr appeared for the prosecution, while Lamin J. Darboe represented the accused.
According to the charge sheet, Sanyang is accused of wilfully setting fire to a building known as the APRC Bureau at Kanifing Municipality around the year 2016.
The second count alleges that on 14th August 2025, during a live broadcast of Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio, the accused made statements regarding an ongoing court case, The State v. Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang, in which he allegedly described the Gambian courts as “clandestine” and “controlled.” The prosecution contends that these remarks were intended to misrepresent the proceedings and disrespect the Court.
Sanyang has denied both allegations. Following his plea, Justice Jaiteh adjourned the case to 20th October 2025 for continuation.