By Isatou Sarr
A key witness in the coroner’s inquest into the death of Omar Badjie has denied allegations that he assisted police in the arrest of the 27-year-old, whose death following a police encounter in September last year sparked nationwide outrage.
Malang Keita testified on Friday before Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court that he neither reported Badjie to the police nor helped officers apprehend him on September 26, 2025.
Badjie died shortly after an encounter with officers of the Gambia Police Force (GPF) in Mandinary. Police initially stated that he collapsed while fleeing during a patrol linked to suspected cannabis possession and was later pronounced dead at Kanifing General Hospital. Family members and eyewitnesses, however, alleged that he was beaten by officers.
Keita told the court that he was in his shop preparing for Friday prayers when he first heard shouting behind the premises. On stepping outside, he was informed that anti-crime officers were pursuing some youths. He returned inside but later heard louder screams.
“I came out again and saw four police officers carrying Omar Badjie,” Keita testified. “His hands were cuffed behind his back. Two officers were holding his hands, and two were holding his legs.”
Describing himself as a teacher and imam, Keita said he knew Badjie personally and considered him “a very good person” respected in Mandinary village. He added that many people followed the officers as they carried Badjie and that he was deeply disturbed by what he saw.
“Omar was humiliated. His body was not moving, and saliva was coming out of his mouth,” he said, breaking down in tears. The court briefly stood down as family members wept quietly.
Keita said he approached the officers and pleaded for Badjie’s release, but was threatened by one officer, whom he believed was their leader. “He told me to leave the scene or something bad would happen to me,” he said. He added that another policeman later appeared, and Badjie’s handcuffs were removed.
He later went to the mosque for prayers and only learned of Badjie’s death afterward. Rumors later circulated accusing Keita of aiding police, leading to threats against his life and attempts to burn his house. “I went to Banjulinding Police Station to report the matter because I knew I had done nothing wrong,” he said.
The inquest was adjourned to Monday, January 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
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