By: Nicholas Bass
The High Court in Banjul has acquitted and discharged Balla Ceesay, who had been standing trial for the alleged manslaughter of Ebrima Jallow, also known as Bai Nyass. The verdict was handed down by Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh.
Ceesay was accused of causing Jallow’s death on 7 December 2023 in Bondali Tenda, West Coast Region, after allegedly striking him on the head with a wheel puller. He pleaded not guilty when the trial opened.
State prosecutors called seven witnesses in an effort to prove the charge, while the accused gave evidence in his own defence. In her ruling, Justice Jobarteh held that the prosecution had failed to establish the essential elements of manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt.
The judge found that Ceesay’s claim of self-defence was consistent with the evidence before the court and justified under the law, noting that he acted in an attempt to preserve his life during what she described as an unlawful attack.
The court also pointed to inconsistencies in the testimony of key prosecution witnesses, including that of Assan Jallow, a relative of the deceased, who admitted under cross-examination that he only became aware of the incident after the victim had been taken to the hospital.
While acknowledging the tragic loss of a young life, Justice Jobarteh reiterated that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution and must be met beyond a reasonable doubt.
With the ruling, Ceesay was acquitted and discharged, bringing the closely watched case to an end.