Gov’t indicts 5 men as coup plot investigations near completion

A government statement issued out yesterday on the latest developments from investigations into the foiled coup plot is as follows:

The public is hereby informed that investigations into the recently foiled coup plot to ouster the democratically elected Government of President Adama Barrow are at an advanced stage as the panel is expected to complete its work on or before the initial deadline of 29 January 2023.

In fact, the “Joint Investigative Panel” has submitted its preliminary report as a result of which, five (5) people have been indicted before the High Court in Banjul presided by Honourable Justice Basiru Mahoney. Consistent with the due process of the law, the accused who were arraigned on the 17th January 2023 reappeared yesterday, 25th January, 2023 facing a new bill of indictments.

Those charged are Lance Corporal Sana Fadera, the accused ringleader of the coup plot; Petty Officer Gibril Darboe; Corporal Ebrima Sanno; Corporal Omar Njie and Police Sub-Inspector, Fakebba Jawara.

The accused are charged with four (4) counts of:

1. Treason;
2. Concealment of Treason;
3. Conspiracy and
4. Inciting mutiny.

Prosecution for the four (4) accused soldiers and one police officer commences on Thursday 31st January, 2023.

Meanwhile, the sixth co-conspirator, Petty Officer Lamin Jadama, remains at large as a treasonous fugitive from justice and on Interpol Red Notice. While Captain Ebrima Baldeh, Second Lieutenant Omar M. Colly and Corporal Bakary Njie have been exonerated, three others remain under protective custody.

Signed

Ebrima G. Sankareh

The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser