By: Alieu Ceesay
The Kanifing Magistrate Court, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, granted bail to four young men arrested in connection with a protest at the National Audit Office (NAO) opposing the forcible removal of Auditor General Ceesay. The accused, Omar Camara, Alieu Bah, Kemo Fatty, and Momodou Camara, were released on bail of D50,000 each with one Gambian surety, as ruled by Presiding Magistrate Justice Isatou Sallah Mbaye.
The four youths faced unlawful assembly and Common nuisance charges, stemming from their alleged participation in an unauthorized protest at the NAO on September 15, 2025. According to the particulars of the offenses, the accused conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by protesting without a permit from the Inspector General of Police. The second count of common nuisance alleged that their actions caused “annoyance or obstruction or inconvenience to the public” at the NAO premises. All four pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution, represented by Commissioner A. Sanneh and ASP Y.S. Colley, objected to the bail, arguing for a condition restricting the accused from participating in demonstrations without a police permit. Sanneh further proposed that any violation of this condition should result in the revocation of bail and custody of the accused pending the case’s determination.
Counsel J. Darboe, representing the accused alongside Y. Baldeh, M. Tabally, and J. Jobarteh, challenged the prosecution’s stance, asserting that the determination of bail conditions lies solely with the court. Magistrate Sallah Mbaye concurred, emphasizing that bail decisions are the court’s prerogative, not the prosecution’s. She ruled the charges bailable, setting the bail at D50,000 per accused, with each required to provide a Gambian surety who must submit an affidavit of means. Additionally, the accused were ordered to attend all hearings until the case’s conclusion.
The court’s decision followed a heated legal exchange, with notable details emerging about the arrests. Omar Camara, one of the accused, was reportedly apprehended at Kairaba Police Station during a press interview, highlighting the contentious nature of the case. The protest, linked to the controversial removal of Auditor General Ceesay, has drawn significant public attention, raising questions about freedom of assembly and expression in The Gambia.
The case has been adjourned to September 21, 2025, for further hearing. The accused is required to comply with bail conditions and appear in court as directed.
