By: Isatou Sarr
The Banjul Magistrates’ Court on Monday granted bail in the sum of D250,000 to Abdul Wahab Jobarteh, who is facing four charges, including attempted murder, following a case involving an incident in which a police sergeant clung to a moving vehicle from Banjul to Manjai.
Jobarteh appeared before Principal Magistrate Krubally and pleaded not guilty to all counts. He is charged with attempted murder, reckless and negligent acts, disobedience of lawful orders and common assault.
The prosecution, led by Commissioner Sanneh alongside senior police prosecutors, alleged that on or about 5 June 2026 at Hegan Street in Banjul, the accused attempted to cause the death of Sergeant Alagie Badjie by driving at high speed while the officer was on the bonnet of the vehicle.
The prosecution further alleged that the accused drove in a manner likely to endanger human life across Banjul and surrounding areas, refused to surrender vehicle particulars to the officer, and assaulted him by clipping his hands on the vehicle’s side mirrors.
The accused, represented by Counsel Adama Sillah, denied all allegations and applied for bail. The defence argued that Jobarteh is entitled to bail under the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, and the Constitution of The Gambia, citing the presumption of innocence and the right to liberty.
The prosecution opposed bail, describing the offences as serious and raising concerns about the accused’s safety if released, citing intelligence reports and the sensitivity of the case.
However, Magistrate Krubally ruled that the offences were bailable and exercised judicial discretion in favour of the accused.
The court set bail at D100,000 for the attempted murder charge and D50,000 each for reckless and negligent acts, disobedience of lawful orders, and common assault, bringing the total to D250,000.
The accused was also ordered to produce four Gambian sureties in gainful employment or business, each providing valid identification, contact details and sworn affidavits of means guaranteeing his attendance in court.
The case was adjourned to 16 June 2026 for continuation of hearing.