By Kemeseng Sanneh
A Gambian military officer testified on Monday in the ongoing trial of Paulo Djabi, his wife Nadine Ismael de Gouveira Pereira, and Mamadu Neto Djabi, who face 21 criminal charges linked to drug trafficking and money laundering.
During the hearing, State Counsel Lamin Jarju informed the court that the prosecution had filed a motion seeking to amend counts 19 and 20 and introduce a new charge, count 21. The motion, dated January 29, 2025, was granted after defence attorney Sheriff Marie Tambadou raised no objection. Justice Jaiteh approved the amendments and ordered the revised charges be read to the first accused, Paulo Djabi. Djabi pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Allegations of Money Laundering
According to prosecutors, between 2021 and 2023 in Fajara, Djabi engaged in multiple transactions to conceal the illicit origins of criminal proceeds. The amended charges allege that he laundered money by purchasing 13 vehicles (count 19) and three motorbikes (count 20). The newly added count 21 claims he used illicit funds to buy a jet ski.
The charges fall under Section 22(a) of The Gambia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorist Financing Act, 2012.
Military Officer’s Testimony
The state’s third witness, Captain Babucarr Ngom of the Gambian Armed Forces, testified that he was part of the joint investigation team that arrested Djabi in August 2023.
Ngom recalled that on August 16, security officials met at the National Security Adviser’s office for a briefing on suspected South American drug traffickers operating in The Gambia. Djabi’s name surfaced, prompting an operation at Envy Night Club, where authorities set up an ambush.
“When the club closed, we intercepted him as he was heading home,” Ngom said. “We searched his car and found a waist belt containing a suspicious substance. A drug enforcement officer later confirmed it as an illegal drug.”
Investigators then searched Djabi’s apartment, where they reportedly discovered additional evidence.
Links to Co-Defendants
Ngom also testified about the arrest of Mamadu Neto Djabi, the third accused. He stated that officers first encountered Mamadu at Bundung Police Station, where Paulo Djabi was being held. Authorities later escorted Mamadu to his residence in Baraka Estate, where they allegedly found another drug substance.
When asked if he could identify the seized drugs, Ngom confidently affirmed: “Yes, I will be able to identify it.”
State Counsel Jarju then moved to tender the alleged drug evidence in court. However, defense lawyer Tambadou indicated he would object. Due to time constraints, the matter was adjourned.
The case will resume on March 3, 2025, at 11:30 AM.
