By Mustapha Jallow
Foroyaa has been informed by close family sources that the 8 men and women who were arrested from their respective homes 
in Banjul and detained were finally released around 4 pm on Monday, 7 December, after being detained at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) headquarters for 7 days without charge or trial.
Confirming the release of their relatives, Mustapha John added that all the eight men and women were finally released around 4 pm without any charge pressed on any of them or being asked to be reporting on bail.
“They have all finally reunited with their families after 7 days of trauma and sleepless nights. We are all very happy that they are free at last,” said Mr. John.
The eight who were detained and eventually released are Ma Abdoulie Dibba, Sheriff Dibba, Kebba Darboe, Fatou Dibba, Awa Dibba, Fatou Jammeh, Binta Bojang and Yusupha Jammeh.
It was earlier reported in this medium that 10 people were initially arrested and detained at the NIA but that two of them were released the following day and these are Amie Marong, a lactating mother, and Ya Ndey Njie, an expecting mother.
When reporting the arrests and subsequent detention to Foroyaa on Saturday, the family members indicated that they were not aware of any charges preferred against their loved ones. They also revealed that access to them at their place of detention by family and friends was not allowed by the NIA officials.
The eight were held for seven days beyond the 72 hours requirement and in violation of section 19 which states that “Any person who is arrested or detained… who is not released, shall be brought without undue delay before a court of law and, in any event, within 72 hours.”
When some of the released people were later contacted, they expressed their relief, adding that they are innocent of any wrongdoing.
