The Judiciary of The Gambia has announced that Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow has ordered a coroner’s inquest into the death of Omar Badjie, a 27-year-old resident of Mandinary, Kombo North, West Coast Region, who died on September 26, 2025, during a police pursuit. The decision follows an application by the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice under the Coroners Act, with the inquest to be conducted by Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court.
Omar Badjie’s death has sparked significant public concern, as it occurred under unclear circumstances during a police operation in Mandinary
According to preliminary reports from the Gambia Police Force (GPF), Badjie was pursued by officers for reasons yet to be fully disclosed. Eyewitness accounts suggest the chase ended tragically, with Badjie collapsing and later being pronounced dead. The incident has raised questions about police conduct, use of force, and accountability, prompting widespread calls for a transparent investigation and two days of unrest by the youth of Lamin.
In response, the GPF confirmed on September 28, 2025, that four officers involved in the pursuit—1st Class Constable Sulayman Jarju of Jamburr, Police Constable Mamadi Jallow of Kubariko, Police Constable Ebrima Touray of Lamin, and Police Constable Fa Sainey Cham of Banjulinding—were arrested and detained pending the inquest. A postmortem examination, conducted in the presence of stakeholders, was performed to determine the cause of death, after which Badjie’s body was released to his family for burial on October 1, 2025.
The GPF has pledged a transparent investigation, stating, “Anyone found wanting will face the full force of the law.” The coroner’s inquest, ordered by Chief Justice Jallow, is expected to provide clarity on the events leading to Badjie’s death, including whether police actions contributed to the outcome. The judiciary has assured the public that updates will be provided as the process unfolds.
The case has reignited debates about police accountability in The Gambia, with many residents demanding reforms to prevent similar incidents.
