By Louise Jobe
Two farmers from Nioro Jarrol, Bala Jobe and Alhagie Jobe, have been remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison by Magistrate M. Dem of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court for allegedly farming on a disputed land despite an existing injunction from the Chief of Foni Jarrol District. The order for their detention was made on Monday, 14th July 2025. A third accused farmer was absent due to illness.
During the court proceedings, Police Prosecutor M. Fadera told the court that the Chief had issued an injunction prohibiting farming on the disputed land until the case is concluded. He argued that the farmers violated that order and deliberately went ahead to farm on the land.
“You are warned not to farm on the disputed area and you decided not to obey the court order,” Magistrate Dem ruled as he granted the prosecution’s application to remand the two farmers at Mile 2 Central Prison.
The land dispute has lingered in court for nearly three years but has seen little progress. It remained stagnant for over six months following the departure of former Magistrate Isatou Darboe, who had been presiding over the matter. Since Magistrate Dem assumed responsibility for the case this year, proceedings have yet to resume fully.
In a previous sitting, the farmers pleaded with the court for access to the land so they could farm while the case continued, explaining that they depend entirely on farming for survival. However, Magistrate Dem responded that the injunction was issued by the Chief and he was not in a position to alter it.
The accused persons, who are not represented by legal counsel, have denied violating the Chief’s order. The criminal charge filed by the police alleges that they disobeyed the Chief’s directive, which they contest.
One of the detained farmers, while being escorted to prison, told Foroyaa, “It is better to farm and be detained than to steal and go to jail.”
The disputed land, which the accused farmers claim as theirs has been under injunction for two years. Residents of Jarrol Village are laying claim to the same land.
The matter is expected to continue on Thursday, 17th July 2025. It remains to be seen whether the police will expedite the case and bring clarity to the fate of the accused farmers.
