The charge in count one states that the accused person in May 2014 in Banjul, committed an offence while serving as secretary general, when he caused economic loss to Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) to the tune of D402,500 by unduly influencing the corporation to fund a programme entitled: ‘Youth Career Development’, organised by one Mariama Sillah, without recourse to due process, and thereby committed an offence.
Counts two and three stated that the accused person in May 2014 in Banjul, committed an offence when he abused his office as the secretary general, by influencing SSHFC to sponsor a programme organised by Mariama Sillah.
It was further alleged that in “flagrant abuse of his office”, Sabally “blatantly disregarded due process” when he influenced the SSHFC to sponsor the programme.
Sabally last appeared in court without a lawyer, and he applied to be granted bail, but was refused bail and remanded under the custody of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in Banjul.
At the time, he told the court that he is a Gambian and narrated how he had served the country, including as secretary-general at the Office of the President and head of the civil service, and had worked 10 years with the Central Bank of The Gambia.
He also said he had ignored offers to work for international organizations such as the World Bank and IMF.
“I have a wife and children,” Sabally further told the court, adding that “with this background”, the prosecution could not question his integrity.
Today Sabally will reappear to defend himself.
