By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)
The Banjul High Court has adjourned the bail hearing of political commentator and former soldier Abdoulie Sanyang after the State requested additional time to respond to his bail application.
Senior Counsel Lamin J. Darboe, representing Sanyang, filed an Originating Summons seeking his client’s release on bail after the case was transferred from the Magistrate’s Court to the High Court. He informed the court that the State had already been served with the application.
However, Justice Jaiteh, presiding over the matter, clarified that under the law, an originating summons must be heard eight days after filing.
Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) A.M. Yusuf confirmed that the State received the summons earlier that morning and requested two days to prepare a formal response. Justice Jaiteh granted the request and adjourned the bail hearing to Thursday, 8th October 2025.
On the substantive case, the High Court has not yet received the bill of indictment, preventing further progress on the main matter. The case was transferred after the Magistrate’s Court determined it lacked jurisdiction to hear the charge of arson.
Sanyang faced four criminal counts under the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, which were initially filed before Magistrate Thomas Touray.
Count One – Arson (Section 283):
The prosecution alleges that in 2016, at Kanifing South, Sanyang willfully participated in planning and setting fire to the National Bureau of the Alliance for Patriotic Re-orientation and Construction (APRC).
Count Two – Seditious Intention (Section 48(2)(a), punishable under Section 50(1)(a)):
Prosecutors allege that during the “Coffee Time Show” on West Coast Radio on August 14, 2025, Sanyang made comments accusing the President of electoral malpractice during the 2021 Presidential Election, remarks deemed capable of inciting “hatred, contempt, or disaffection” against the President.
Count Three – Incitement to Violence (Section 58(1)(a)):
The State further claims that during the same radio appearance, Sanyang stated he had provided financial support to the “3 Years Jotna Movement” for what was described as an illegal protest demanding the President’s resignation.
Count Four – Offences Relating to Judicial Proceedings (Section 99(1)(i)):
According to prosecutors, during the same interview, Sanyang referred to the ongoing trial of Ousainou Bojang as a “clandestine court,” a statement viewed as showing disrespect toward judicial proceedings.
The High Court is expected to resume the bail hearing on Thursday, October 8, after the State files its response.
