By: Isatou Sarr
The coroner has concluded that Omar Badjie died from acute brain injury resulting from physical exertion, stress, and assault by police officers during a pursuit in Mandinari village in The Gambia’s West Coast Region on 26 September 2025.
According to a statement from the Office of the Chief Justice on Monday, the findings are based on a coroner’s inquest conducted by Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy, which heard testimony from 12 witnesses, reviewed a post-mortem report, and included a visit to the scene of the incident.
The report recommended that the case be referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for consideration of possible criminal proceedings against the officers involved.
Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow, who reviewed the proceedings under Section 10 of the Coroners Act, said he was satisfied with the correctness, legality, and regularity of the findings and proceedings.
He subsequently forwarded the full record of the inquest to the Attorney General and the DPP for further action.
The Office of the Chief Justice expressed appreciation to the coroner, witnesses, and all participants in the inquiry, and called for continued cooperation in implementing the recommendations.
