By Sering Mass Jallow
Nominated Councillor for Banjul City Council, Fallou Gallas Ceesay, has called for the remand of all Janneh Commission executives at Mile II Central Prison. The commission is responsible for the recovery and disposal of former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets, a process that has sparked controversy due to alleged procedural lapses.
Gallas Ceesay made the remarks in an exclusive interview with local media, following the National Assembly’s recommendation to exempt former Justice Minister Abubacarr Ba Tambedou, a senior commission member, from prosecution over economic crimes linked to the asset recovery and sales.
He argued that the enforcement of the law appears to favour the “elite,” noting that since President Adama Barrow assumed office, influential figures accused of legal violations have largely avoided prosecution.
Gallas Ceesay said prominent figures, including lead counsel Amie Bensouda, former Justice Minister Abubacarr Ba Tambedou, and former Secretary to the Commission Alhagie Mamadi Kurang, should have been remanded while the status of the recovered assets is determined.
“If this were a serious country, all individuals involved in the commission should have first been remanded at Mile II Central Prison. You cannot coordinate the sale of Hummer jeeps, pick-ups, and cattle for minimal amounts and continue to move freely as if nothing happened,” he said.
The total value of the former president’s assets is estimated at around one billion dollars, much of which remains unaccounted for. Gallas Ceesay reaffirmed his commitment to public accountability, stating that funds belonging to the state must benefit the public and not a select few.
“We are not targeting private businessmen. These people were hired to manage state assets. We will continue to demand accountability and answers,” he said.