Africa-Press – Gambia. Former High Court Sheriff Justice Sheriff B. Tabally came under sharp questioning Friday as lawmakers probed discrepancies in the 2018 livestock auction linked to assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Special Select Committee on the Sale and Disposal of Assets Identified by the Janneh Commission, Tabally was grilled over unaccounted funds, missing documentation, and inconsistencies in cattle sale records.
Leading the interrogation, Hon. Kebba Lang Fofana demanded answers on why nearly D2.9 million from the auction proceeds remained unbanked, despite the sales being conducted under a court order.
According to Tabally’s own report, cattle sales on January 9 and 10, 2018 totalled over D3.9 million. However, only about D1.02 million was lodged into the government account by January 12, leaving the rest in cash custody.
Pressed by Fofana on this shortfall, Tabally admitted he delegated the task of lodging funds to others and did not follow up. “The records we have showed that a large sum of money remained in your office’s custody. What happened to that cash?” Fofana asked. Tabally replied, “I cannot say exactly.”
Further questions arose about the accuracy of the sales report submitted to the committee. Tabally said the figures were derived from a handwritten list handed to him by bailiffs but acknowledged that the document was never filed and is no longer in his possession.
When asked if he could verify the contents of the report without that handwritten source, Tabally admitted: “I cannot.”
“Did you check the math before signing this report?” Fofana pressed. Tabally responded: “No, I relied on newspaper coverage.”
Hon. Alhagie Mbowe also questioned Tabally about wide variations in cattle sale prices. Some calves were sold for as low as D909, while others fetched up to D12,000. Tabally conceded that some entries were inconsistent and said the report “was not correct.”
The committee highlighted further confusion in the lodgment dates. Records show more money was deposited later than what was sold on those days, suggesting mismatched accounting. Tabally was unable to clarify the discrepancies.
“We expect you to come back with a more accurate and updated report,” Fofana told the witness. “Because this is not adding up.”
The session raised serious concerns over the handling of public funds and the integrity of the asset disposal process. The committee ordered Tabally to return with corrected figures and supporting documentation.
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