Africa-Press – Gambia. Abubakary Jawara, Chief Executive Officer of Gach Global Trading Company, appeared on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 before the Banjul High Court to testify in a civil suit seeking recovery of D58.9 million from former employee Kaddijatou Kebbeh and ex-managing director of Gam Petroleum, Saikou Drammeh.
The lawsuit alleges fraudulent acquisition and unlawful retention of funds by the defendants. Presided over by Justice Jaiteh, the case centers on claims that Kebbeh and Drammeh illicitly obtained D58,961,150. In addition, Gach Global is pursuing recovery of $221,000 related to disputed payments for petroleum products supplied via the Gam Petroleum Storage Facility, as well as $1,600 paid to Ms. Kebbeh as commission for facilitating a petroleum agreement in September 2021.
The company also demands D1 million in legal and administrative costs, with interest accruing until full settlement.
The hearing commenced with the presentation of documents by Jah Oil Company, pursuant to a prior court order. Jah Oil Managing Director Momodou Hydara confirmed receipt of the order and submitted copies of a release order, a receipt dated November 17, 2023, and a balance sheet addressed to the Gam Petroleum board. Counsel for the defense, K. Jallow objected to the documents being photocopies rather than originals as directed. Justice Jaiteh acknowledged prior acceptance of these documents but reiterated the court’s requirement for originals to verify authenticity. Hydara was thus ordered to produce the original documents at the next hearing scheduled for July 2, 2025.
Senior Counsel Ida Drammeh, representing Gach Global, declared readiness to proceed with the plaintiff’s testimony. Counsel Jallow for the first defendant, Ms. Kebbeh, confirmed readiness but requested an adjournment citing Senior Counsel Badou S. Conteh’s ill health. Justice Jaiteh overruled the adjournment, ruling the session would continue with the plaintiff’s evidence and cross-examination.
Abubakary Jawara was sworn in and confirmed his role as Gach Global’s CEO and majority shareholder. He acknowledged familiarity with both defendants and confirmed initiating the legal action. Jawara’s affidavit was admitted as his evidence-in-chief without objection.
Under cross-examination, Jawara explained that the disputed D58.9 million was initially denominated in Euros before conversion to Dalasis for petroleum purchases. He stated that he first learned of the Konrigo company — the account recipient of the funds — only after the dispute arose. Jawara denied directly contacting Konrigo’s proprietor, Mr. Jagana, until after being informed by police and the State Intelligence Services that Gach Global was listed among companies alleged to have taken fuel without payment.
Jawara described an arrangement with Saikou Drammeh permitting fuel deliveries on a 45-day payment term under a contract with GMPC. However, after payments were made into a Konrigo account, Jawara questioned the legitimacy of the transaction, noting conflicting information regarding the account’s ownership and the role of the defendants.
He testified that Kebbeh acted as the contractual liaison in meetings with Drammeh and denied direct communication with any Senegalese suppliers, asserting Drammeh handled those interactions.
Regarding the $221,000 payment, Jawara confirmed it was made to Drammeh while in Senegal and stated that Drammeh requested cash payments, which Jawara refused due to the offshore nature of the suppliers and lack of Gambian accounts.
Jawara recounted attempts to reconcile with Drammeh and Kebbeh, including repeated requests for payment details and confirmation of funds receipt. He testified that he later learned from Mr. Jagana that Kebbeh had contacted him regarding foreign currency, leading to Jawara’s suspicion of fraud.
He also confirmed his cooperation with law enforcement, including providing statements and testifying against Drammeh in a related government prosecution.
The cross-examination of Abubakary Jawara will resume on July 2, 2025.
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