By Dawda M. Jallow
The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has arrested a 35-year-old Nigerian national, Audu Williams, in connection with the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Esther Tango, whose body was discovered in a bush area between Kitty and Siffoe villages on 7 July 2026.
In a statement, the police said the victim was initially unidentified and was commonly known as “Jessica” before investigators from the Suba Ward CID Unit, with support from the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Team, established her identity as Esther Tango, a 41-year-old Nigerian national.
The GPF said her identity was confirmed after detectives recovered her Nigerian passport during a search of her residence in Brikama.
According to the police, investigators conducted witness interviews, examined the crime scene and analysed telecommunications records, which led to the identification of Williams as a person of interest. He was later invited for questioning.
The police said the suspect subsequently confessed during the course of investigations. Preliminary findings indicate that he allegedly lured the deceased to Kitty on the night of 6 July 2026, where the fatal incident is believed to have occurred before her body was abandoned.
The suspect has since been cautioned and remains in police custody. He is expected to be charged and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of The Gambia upon completion of investigations.
The GPF commended the investigators for their professionalism and commitment, saying their efforts contributed to a swift breakthrough in the case.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.