Ousman E. Bah, an officer with the Special Investigations Unit at the Police Headquarters, told the court that according to Peter Gomez, Sanyang voluntarily approached him to participate in an interview on West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time program. During the interview, he said, Sanyang accused the Gambian government of electoral malpractice, described the PIU shooting case as clandestine, and admitted involvement in the APRC bureau arson.
The witness explained that following the broadcast, a video of the interview circulated in the media and was analysed by the Criminal Intelligence Unit, prompting Sanyang’s arrest.
During questioning at the police station, PW5 said Sanyang reportedly told investigators that he had financially contributed to the individuals who carried out the arson, though he did not reveal the identities of the recipients.
The witness also provided details on Sanyang’s condition during detention. He said the accused was reportedly in good health while in police custody but later developed medical issues after being transferred to Mile 2 Prison.
An inventory of Sanyang’s belongings including his residence card, passport, Swiss ID, phone, watch, medical documents, and medicines was recorded, with only the medicines handed over to him at Mile 2. The inventory document was admitted into evidence without objection from the defense.
During cross-examination, Sanyang’s defense counsel challenged the reliability of the witnesses’ statements, noting that no financial records were obtained to substantiate the alleged funding of the APRC Bureau fire. Officer Bah maintained that his testimony was based on Sanyang’s statements and the video of the interview.
The case was adjourned until 17 November.
