The Justice Minister said a total of 70 state cases were concluded in 2025, with 46 decided on the merits. He said out of the 46 cases, the state won 36 and lost 10 cases.
“Of the 70 matters that concluded in 2025, the DPP secured 36 convictions or upheld sentences, representing a conviction rate of 78.3% on all cases decided on their merits. That figure places the DPP's office among the better-performing prosecution services in the sub-region, and it reflects the professional diligence of prosecutors in the Ministry who handled a heavy and diverse docket throughout the year,” the Justice Minister said.
Hon. Jallow said ten additional cases concluded through sentence variations on appeal, where appellants achieved partial reductions in custodial terms. While these represent partial successes for appellants, the Justice Minister said in every instance the original conviction recorded by a lower court was left undisturbed.
Murder and Manslaughter
The Justice Minister said his office concluded 11 murder and manslaughter trials in 2025 with eight resulting in convictions.
“That is 73% of murder cases we prosecuted in 2025 resulted in convictions. Bubacarr Bahaga and Augustine Bangura received the death sentence for murder. Famara Kanteh received a life sentence. Amadou Sowe and Mario Mendy were also convicted of murder,” he said.
The Justice Minister said in three matters, courts returned convictions for the lesser offence of manslaughter, specifically Kemo Hydara (2 years), Bubacarr Jallow, and Barakel Irore (5 years).
Hon. Jallow further stated that three accused persons, Balla Ceesay, Salifu Keita, and Salieu Bah, were acquitted. He said his office filed an appeal in the Salieu Bah matter, and that appeal is currently in progress.
Rape and Sexual Offences
The Justice Minister told journalists that the prosecution secured 5 convictions in rape trials in 2025. He said sentences ranged from time served to 20 years imprisonment with Saikou Bah, and Hamidou Fasirou receiving 20 years, and 10 years respectively with hard labour.
“Two accused persons, Bubacarr Janneh and Babou Gai, were acquitted and discharged. The Ministry notes that sexual offence prosecutions require heightened investigative support, and will continue working with the Gambia Police Force to strengthen evidence gathering in this category,” he said.
Robbery and Theft
Hon. Jallow said 7 convictions were secured in robbery and theft matters. These he said included Kemo Jobe (robbery), Abdul Aziz Secka (robbery), Matarr Nyang and Fallou Njie (conspiracy and robbery).
The Justice Minister further revealed that three accused persons were acquitted in this category, including Mamud Bah and Abdou Sissoho. In Financial Crime, Fraud and Money Laundering, he said 3 convictions were secured in this category.
“Sarjo Corr and a co-accused received 10 years’ imprisonment with an option of fine for fraudulent false accounting, money laundering, conspiracy, and stealing. Mam John Richards received 3 years for stealing by a director. Wilfred Sayee and Jonathan Papa Flomo were convicted on all counts of conspiracy, obtaining goods by false pretence, and purchasing forged notes,” he said.
He said Omar Fofana was separately convicted for aggravated drug trafficking and money laundering.
Drug Trafficking
The Justice Minister disclosed to journalists that 2 convictions were secured in drug trafficking matters, Omar Fofana (aggravated drug trafficking with money laundering) was convicted with a fine of D20 million.
He said Assan Badjie was convicted of possession of cannabis for trafficking and ordered to pay a fine.
According to the minister, one (1) accused, Lamin Jaiteh, was acquitted of acting as an intermediary for drug trafficking.
Trafficking in Persons
“The State secured a conviction of Hanna Magbujor Isaiah on three of four counts, including conspiracy to commit a felony, trafficking in persons, and importation of persons,” he said.
The Justice Minister believes that this conviction represents an important milestone in The Gambia's ongoing commitment to prosecuting human trafficking offences.
Corruption prosecution
The Justice Minister said the State v Amie Sarr and five others, a corruption-related prosecution, was terminated on a no case to answer submission. He said his office has filed an appeal against that ruling, and the matter is before the Court of Appeal.
Appeal Cases
The Justice Minister revealed that the DPP successfully defended the State's position in ten concluded appeal matters in 2025.
He said one appeal, Alpha Ceesay, succeeded in full, resulting in an order to pay a fine.
“The Ministry acknowledges this outcome and has reviewed the circumstances,” he said.
New Indictments Filed in 2025
The Justice Minister revealed that the DPP filed 30 new indictments in 2025, covering offences including robbery, economic crimes, attempted murder, rape, trafficking in persons, corruption, and murder. He said these matters are now before the courts and will form a significant portion of the 2026 caseload.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that each of these prosecutions is thoroughly prepared and professionally conducted,” he stated.
