By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)
A post-mortem examination has been carried out on the body of Omar Badjie at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul, amid conflicting accounts over the circumstances of his death.
The procedure was performed by Dr Leigh, while Dr Daffeh observed on behalf of the family, together with the family’s lawyer, Counsel Ayub Johnny Njie of AJ Njie & Associates Law Chambers.
A post-mortem (also called an autopsy) is a medical examination of a body after death. It is usually carried out by a pathologist to determine the cause of death, identify any injuries, diseases, or conditions, and collect evidence if the death is linked to suspicious or legal circumstances.
The case has sparked controversy, with eyewitnesses and relatives alleging that Badjie was apprehended and beaten by security officers after being caught with a cannabis joint. Police, however, maintain that he collapsed during a “hot pursuit” and was later pronounced dead.
The post-mortem began with a formal identification of the body. Two relatives — Tumani Badjie, an uncle, and Sarjo Jarju — confirmed the remains as those of Omar Badjie before the procedure commenced.
The examination was closely monitored. Present were family representatives, their legal counsel, and police officers, including Sub-Inspector Babucarr Touray of the Serious Crime Unit, Inspector Sainabou Manjang, Corporal Edrisa Jarju, ASP Malang Jarju of the CRO, and Corporal Babou Mbye.
Following the examination, some samples were taken for toxicology and microscopic analysis. Medical experts say these steps are critical in determining whether there were signs of trauma, pre-existing health conditions, or substances that may have contributed to Badjie’s death.
Officials informed the witnesses that a formal report would be compiled and shared with the family once the findings are complete. The report is expected to be a key piece of evidence should the case move to legal proceedings.
After the procedure, the body was formally released to the family, although they chose to keep it at the hospital until today. The funeral service and burial are scheduled for 10:00 am in Mandinari.
For now, both the family and the community await the official post-mortem results, which could help resolve the starkly differing narratives of how Omar Badjie died.
