Magistrate to Deliver Verdict on Wednesday
By Mariama Marong
Five young men accused in what has become known as the Jabang “drifters” case have pleaded guilty to multiple charges of reckless driving and related offences. Magistrate Isatou Jallow of the Brusubi Court has convicted them and is expected to deliver sentencing on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The accused are Momodou Martin Sanyang, Sering Mass Gaye, Muhammad Bah, Ismaila Faal, and Samba Ceesay. They were arraigned on eight counts, including reckless or dangerous driving, unlicensed driving, and unauthorized use of tinted glass. After the charges were read, all five accepted responsibility, prompting the magistrate to enter pleas of guilty on their behalf.
Assistant Commissioner Almameh Manga represented the Inspector General of Police, while the defence was led by Counsel Jobarteh.
The counts included: reckless driving by Mr. Sanyang on August 10 in Jabang with vehicle BJL 8579 S; unlicensed driving and reckless driving by Mr. Gaye with vehicle BJL 5155 Z; unauthorized tinted glass use and reckless driving by Mr. Bah with vehicle KM 7634 F; unauthorized tinted glass use and reckless driving by Mr. Faal with vehicle WCR 5263 B; and reckless driving by Mr. Ceesay with vehicle BJL 7771 W.
Narrating the facts, Assistant Commissioner Manga told the court that the accused were caught drifting and driving recklessly in Jabang, obstructing traffic and creating what he described as “annoying obstructions.” He said the Anti-Crime Unit received information about 20 to 30 vehicles heading toward Jabang.
“The incident was serious for the fact that youth of Jabang also confronted the drifters which led to destruction of properties and traffic was totally at a standstill,” he said.
“Due to fear and confusion, the young people of Jabang attempted to take the law into their own hands but with the intervention of the police the issue was resolved and some suspects were arrested and other fled the scene.”
He added that during interrogation, vehicle numbers and details were obtained from the accused.
In his plea for mitigation, Counsel Jobarteh argued that the offences are punishable by either fines or imprisonment. He urged the court to “temper justice with mercy” given that the accused are young and first-time offenders. “It is true that they need to punish and they should be punish for causing fear and reckless driving, notwithstanding the actions of convicts are wrong,” he said. He added that some of the accused are school-going children, stressing that imprisonment would deprive them of their right to education.
Assistant Commissioner Manga countered that car drifting is a serious and worrisome practice that causes disorder and potential harm to the public.
The case has been adjourned until Wednesday, August 20, for sentencing.
