By Demba Bah
Sheikh Jaw, the councillor for Crab Island Ward in Banjul North, was arrested following an altercation during a Banjul City Council (BCC) meeting. The arrest was carried out by Sub-Inspector Sam of the Gambia Police Force (GPF) headquarters after Jaw clashed with nominated councillor Fatou Ada Joof, the women’s representative in the BCC.
The dispute arose over a viral audio recording in which Jaw referenced a promise by the mayor to allocate 2 million dalasis for ward development committees. Jaw insisted that this commitment was made in 2024 and was recorded in meeting minutes. However, Joof challenged his claim, arguing that the councillor should not have shared the information online.
During the meeting, Jaw expressed frustration to Deputy Mayor Abdul Aziz Gaye, stating that his contributions often irritated other council members. Gaye reassured him that the council meeting was a democratic space where he was free to voice his concerns. Jaw proceeded to demand clarification on the 2 million dalasis, asserting that he had not received reports or updates on the council’s financial activities.
As Jaw pressed for answers, Joof reacted strongly, speaking loudly and making derogatory remarks about him. The argument escalated, and after being insulted, Jaw attempted to retaliate but was restrained by fellow councillors and senior BCC officials. He was eventually escorted out of the council chamber, while Joof was taken to another part of the BCC building. The meeting was adjourned following a motion by Abdoulie Boss Gaye of Portuguese Ward, which was seconded by Pa Mamud Ceesay of New Town West and unanimously approved by the councillors.
Jaw later received a call from a man identifying himself as Sub-Inspector Sam, who requested that he report to police headquarters in response to a complaint. Jaw refused, arguing that the matter was strictly a council issue. While at his mother’s shop, the officer arrived with Joof in a taxi, demanding that Jaw accompany them to headquarters. Jaw again refused, leading to a confrontation in which he alleged that the officer scolded him and damaged his shirt. The scene attracted bystanders who intervened, prompting the officer to leave.
Following the incident, Jaw contacted senior police officer Pateh Sowe, who advised him to go to police headquarters. He complied, accompanied by friends and later joined by fellow councillors. At headquarters, police officials concluded that the dispute was a council matter and should not involve law enforcement. Joof subsequently withdrew her complaint, and the matter was deemed resolved.
Despite this resolution, Jaw expressed discontent over the police’s involvement, particularly the conduct of Sub-Inspector Sam. He noted that senior officers of the BCC police unit, including Commissioner Musa Jarju and his deputy Essa Darboe, were present during the meeting.
“I do not understand why the police would intervene in a council matter that does not concern them,” Jaw remarked. He added that the officer threatened to charge him for failing to answer the police call and claimed he would sue for alleged assault. However, senior officers mediated, concluding that the issue should be handled at the council level or pursued through legal channels if necessary.
