Mr. Sheriff Abba Sanyang, the former Minister of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs, appeared in court on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, to answer charges of embezzlement, forgery, and economic crimes.
Mr. Sanyang, who resigned from his ministerial position in response to allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds, is currently facing a total of 27 criminal offenses. He is being prosecuted in conjunction with Pa Lamin Jobe, who is also involved in the case.
The allegations allege that Mr. Sanyang violated the civil service Code of Conduct by awarding contracts worth several hundred thousand Dalasis to Sankulay Firm, a business owned by his sons, in Janjanbureh, The Gambia, between January 2022 and July 2022. The Prosecution contends that these offenses were perpetrated during Mr. Sanyang’s time as the Governor of the Central River Region (CRR).
Mr. Sanyang is accused of a variety of offenses, including economic felonies that resulted in substantial financial losses for the Gambian government, as well as disobedience of statutory duty. Additionally, he is alleged to have forgeried and uttered fraudulent documents during his tenure in office.
Pa Lamin Jobe’s attorney, Borry S. Touray, informed the court that the amended Bill of Indictment had not been served to his client during Wednesday’s court session, which included plea-taking and other procedural matters. He indicated that he was willing to serve in court.
Mr. Sheriff Abba Sanyang’s attorney, Kebba Sanyang, acknowledged receipt of the amended Bill of Indictment. However, he stated that he had not yet received all of the prosecution’s intended trial documents, including his client’s witness statement. He also observed that certain documents provided by the prosecution were challenging to comprehend.
The Prosecution was criticized by Presiding Judge Hon. Justice Sarah Aryee for the trial’s delay, which was a result of incomplete service on the accused. She directed the state to provide the defendants with documents that could be read.
The hearing was postponed until October 24.