Africa-Press – Gambia. Lawyers representing Abdoulie Sanyang, a Swiss-based Gambian national acquitted last week of arson and interference with judicial proceedings, said on Saturday that they were not concerned by the government’s decision to appeal the ruling.
In an interview on Kerr Fatou’s weekly public affairs show, The Brunch, Lamin J. Darboe of Dabanani Chambers stated that his legal team is prepared to defend the lower court’s ruling, which acquitted Mr. Sanyang of all charges.
“We will do our best in defending the appeal, but the outcome was the right one,” Mr. Darboe said. “So we are not afraid of an appeal, but we will see whether we can persuade the state to reconsider,” he stated.
Mr. Sanyang, a former member of the Gambia Armed Forces, had been accused in connection with a 2016 arson incident and statements he made during a radio interview earlier this year. He was arrested upon arrival at Banjul International Airport on Aug. 17, 2025, and remained in custody until his acquittal in February.
In his ruling, Ebrima Jaiteh found that prosecutors had failed to establish their case beyond a reasonable doubt, acquitting and discharging Mr. Sanyang on all counts.
The government has since filed a notice of appeal, seeking to overturn the decision—a move that sets the stage for another legal battle in a case that has drawn significant public attention.
Mr. Darboe said his legal team remained confident in the strength of the original judgment, adding that they would vigorously oppose the appeal if it proceeds.
