By Fatou Dahaba
Hon Alagie Mbowe, a member of the National Assembly’s Special Select Committee on the Sale and Disposal of Assets identified by the Janneh Commission, has directed Alieu Jallow, former Registrar of Companies at the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Chambers, to submit his personal laptop for a forensic audit. The order aims to retrieve all files created on the device, following Jallow’s testimony on Wednesday at the National Assembly building in Banjul, which raised concerns among committee members.
Jallow’s appearance sparked controversy when he failed to produce critical documents from his tenure, claiming he could not recall or had forgotten key details. His submission of only one document from his personal laptop prompted Mbowe to question whether other relevant files might exist. “Hence, the witness could submit only one document from his personal laptop; there could be potential for other documents,” Mbowe stated, emphasizing the need for a forensic audit to uncover any files or folders pertinent to the inquiry. “Will you be willing to submit the laptop?” he asked Jallow.
Mbowe further pressed Jallow on whether he had consulted the Ministry of Justice to trace the missing documents. Jallow agreed to cooperate, stating, “In fact, I have sent a message to that effect, having remembered that all these documents were sent to the Director’s Office through the records office. I believe I will have assistance to be able to trace these things.” He committed to submitting his laptop for scrutiny as soon as possible.
When questioned about his document preparation methods, Jallow explained that he primarily used a desktop computer in his office, which he left behind when he left his post. He noted uncertainty about the desktop’s functionality, as the office had transitioned from manual to digital systems.
Committee Chairman Abdoulie Ceesay expressed frustration with government officials’ reluctance to provide concrete documents or their tendency to appear unprepared, claiming memory lapses about events from 2017 to 2018. “It is disappointing when officials come before the committee empty-handed and claim they cannot remember anything,” Ceesay remarked.
Jallow’s testimony focused on his role in overseeing the eviction of individuals from properties linked to former President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, as ordered by a court, and his handling of documents as Registrar General. The committee’s probe centers on the implementation of the Janneh Commission Report, which investigated the financial activities of Jammeh’s regime, particularly the sale and disposal of identified assets.
The Special Select Committee, established by a National Assembly resolution, is tasked with ensuring accountability and transparency in these matters. Jallow’s agreement to submit his laptop marks a critical step in the committee’s efforts to uncover the truth behind the handling of assets. As the inquiry progresses, the forensic audit could reveal crucial evidence, shedding light on the management of national resources during Jammeh’s era. The committee’s firm stance signals its determination to hold witnesses accountable, with the Gambian public closely watching for outcomes that could shape the nation’s pursuit of justice.
