Africa-Press – Gambia. The trial of four men accused in a high-profile armed robbery at Access Bank Gambia has been delayed due to the absence of legal representation for several of the defendants, casting uncertainty over the case’s progress.
Ansumana Jarju, Losseni Diabate—also known as Alfusainey—Abdoulie Jallow, and Omar Secka stand accused of orchestrating and carrying out the January 22, 2025, robbery at the bank’s Bijilo branch, during which over D1.5 million was allegedly stolen at gunpoint.
The case, scheduled for plea taking and formal mention before Justice Cham, was hindered when State Counsel M. Mballow informed the court that although the bill of indictment had been filed on May 10 and served to the defendants, it appeared that none of the accused had secured legal counsel.
Jarju, the first accused, told the court that he had not received the indictment until his appearance that morning. He and Jallow later confirmed receipt and stated their intention to retain private counsel. Diabate and Secka, meanwhile, opted to seek legal representation through the National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA).
Prosecutor Mballow subsequently requested that the accused remain in custody at Mile 2 Central Prison under Section 99 of the Criminal Procedure Code, pending further proceedings. Jarju asked the court for a two-week adjournment to secure legal assistance, citing financial constraints.
Justice Cham granted the request, adjourning the case until June 18.
The defendants face three charges:
Count One: Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, in violation of Section 368 of the Criminal Code. Prosecutors allege the four conspired in Bijilo on January 22 to execute the robbery.
Count Two: Robbery, under Sections 272 and 273(2) of the Criminal Code. The charge involves the armed theft of D1,532,645 from Access Bank.
Count Three: Possession of Firearms Without Authority, under Section 8 of the Arms and Ammunition Act. Jarju, Diabate, and Jallow are accused of illegally possessing two pistols loaded with thirteen rounds of ammunition.
The prosecution intends to call 19 witnesses and submit 10 exhibits to support its case.
Key witnesses include Access Bank staff members who were present during the robbery. Branch Manager Vincent Mendy is expected to testify about seeing the accused brandishing weapons and overseeing the theft. Cashiers Bai Cham and Fatoumatta Barrow will describe the assailants’ conduct and the cash taken from their drawers.
Security guards Musa Jallow and Kaddy Sanneh are anticipated to recount being held at gunpoint, while customers Kabiro Jammeh and Jahou Wadda will testify about their experiences during the incident.
Other testimony will come from investigating officers who handled the arrest and recovery process, including Demba Bah, Ebou Sowe, Abdou Sowe, Modou Gaye, Abdoulie Boye, and Kebba Touray. These officers are expected to provide forensic and procedural evidence, including statements allegedly made by the accused and recovered items from the robbery.
Additionally, the prosecution will call Omar Sonko, the owner of the taxi allegedly used as a getaway vehicle. Sonko is expected to testify that Secka borrowed his car on the day of the incident.
Two acquaintances of Jarju—Sering Modou Jaw and Ebrima Jaw—are also scheduled to testify about his post-robbery movements and any admissions made regarding the proceeds.
Evidence to be presented includes cautionary and voluntary statements from the accused, the two pistols, live ammunition, CCTV footage, the alleged getaway taxi, and D414,000 in recovered cash. Photographs of the crime scene and personal items linked to the suspects will also be introduced.
The adjournment underscores the challenges of ensuring due process in complex criminal cases, particularly those involving multiple defendants and high-stakes allegations.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
