By Mariama Marong
Ousman Jammeh, a clerk at the Gambia National Petroleum Company Limited (GNPC), who was initially accused of stealing more than D1.1 million from his employer, has changed his plea from guilty to not guilty before the Brusubi Magistrates’ Court.
The accused first appeared before Magistrate Isatou Jallow on Monday, 18th August, where the charge of stealing D1,162,607.00 was read to him. At that time, Jammeh pleaded guilty and the magistrate entered his plea accordingly. However, during his subsequent appearance on Wednesday, 20th August 2025, Jammeh informed the court that he wished to change his plea. He told the court that he did not steal any money and maintained that he is innocent of the allegation.
The prosecuting officer in the case is Inspector L. Jammeh, who filed the charge on behalf of the Inspector General of Police. The accused is not represented by any legal counsel.
After hearing the accused’s change of plea, Magistrate Jallow amended the earlier entry of guilty to reflect the new plea of not guilty. Jammeh also applied for bail, which the court granted.
The statement of offence reads: “Stealing by clerk or servant contrary to Section 233 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.”
The particulars of the offence state that on the 19th of December 2024, at Brusubi in Kombo North, West Coast Region, Jammeh, being an employee of GNPC, stole the sum of D1,162,607.00, property of the Gambia National Petroleum Company Limited.
The case has been adjourned to Monday, 25th August 2025, for the commencement of the trial.
