Killa Ace & 36 West Africans remanded at Gambia’s Mile 2 for July 24th 2019 Protests

By Team Gom Sa Bopa

On Tuesday 27^th August 2019, 37 people including outspoken rapper activist Ali “Killa Ace” Cham, were remanded at Mile 2 for their alleged involvement in the 24th July 2019 protest. In the same afternoon at Kanifing Magistrate Court, Magistrate Elizabeth Dunn presided over a case between the Inspector General of Police and 29 Gambians, 3 Sierra Leoneans, 3 Guineans and 2 Senegalese who were charged with eight counts.

According to the charge sheet the eight non Gambians charged are namely; three Sierra Leoneans, Lansana Tamba, Abdoulie Camara and Muhammed Gando Camara, three Guineans, Ebrima Bah, Almamy Yaya Sillah and Muctarr Jallow and two Senegalese, Basiru Gaye and Malick Tine.

One of the accused remanded at Mile 2 is a close associate of the late Ousman Darboe who’s death sparked the July 24^th protest which saw disgruntled protestors march from Serrekunda Market to various other locations including Bijilo’s Anti Crime Unit (ACU). It’s alleged that the late Ousman Darboe was detained for at least 9 days and tortured by Officers at the ACU. Ousman later died outside of Police custody and his body is still yet to be put to rest and awaiting a post mortem.

Three executive members of Serrekunda Market association, SK Boka Loho are also included in those remanded, they are; President – Dodou Njie, Secretary General – Demba Njie and Hadim Samasa.

The eight counts are as follows; conspiracy to commit a felony, unlawful assembly, breach of peace, arson of Assistant Commissioner Gorgi Mboob’s compound, arson of Bakoteh Police Station, riotous demolition of a fence of Anti Crime Unit Headquarters and motor vehicle number plate GPF 246 WCR. According to the charge sheet all the accused persons have been charged with all eight counts.

During the court proceedings, one of the accused requested to sit due to medical reasons, however, State Council, Superintendent M.D. Mballow objected to the motion, which the magistrate upheld. After the accused stood for an extended period, Omar Jabbie collapsed stopping court proceeding for a brief period. All accused have been denied bail and remanded at Mile Two until Tuesday 3^rd September 2019 when the State Counsel will present their case in court.

Team Gom Sa Bopa will be having a press conference on Monday 2^nd September 2019 at midday, the venue will be communicated soon.

The Monitor

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