The directive follows an ex parte motion filed by Sanyang’s defence, J. Jeng and F. Bondi, who are seeking bail for their client on medical grounds. Sanyang is charged with judicial interference and arson offences that carry a potential life sentence upon conviction.
In his ruling, Justice Jaiteh declared the application “meritorious and ought to be granted,” citing statutory obligations under the newly enacted Criminal Offences Act, 2025. The Act mandates that any accused person charged with a capital or serious offence who seeks bail on medical grounds must submit a medical report issued by a qualified doctor employed in a government hospital.
Justice Jaiteh noted that Sanyang’s previous bail application had failed due to the absence of such a report from a government medical practitioner.
The court issued two directives:
- The Director General of Mile 2 Central Prisons is ordered to ensure that the applicant, Abdoulie Sanyang, is taken to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination.
- The Chief Medical Director of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital is directed to ensure that the examination is conducted thoroughly.
Justice Jaiteh further ordered that the resulting medical report be sealed and presented before the court on the next adjourned date—Monday, 20th October 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
During the proceedings, State Counsel L. Jobarteh opposed the motion, arguing that the defence should arrange the medical examination independently and not “use the court as a backdoor.”
Justice Jaiteh firmly rejected this position, emphasising that the court’s directive ensures transparency and safeguards against tampering with the medical report.
“This is a government report coming to the court, and there will be no tampering,” Justice Jaiteh asserted, adding that the new judicial procedure guarantees the authenticity of medical evidence presented in criminal trials.
The case has been adjourned to 20th October 2025 for the submission of the medical report.
