The High Court Judge, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, has ordered a mandatory medical examination for former soldier Abdoulie Sanyang, who faces charges of arson and judicial interference, as part of his bail application on medical grounds. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, follows an ex parte motion by Sanyang’s defense team, Counsel J. Jeng and F. Bondi, seeking bail due to their client’s health concerns.
Sanyang is charged with serious offenses, including arson, which carries a potential life sentence if convicted. Justice Jaiteh granted the motion, citing the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, which mandates that a report from a government-employed medical doctor must support bail applications on medical grounds for serious crimes. A previous bail attempt by Sanyang failed due to the absence of such a report.
In his ruling, Justice Jaiteh described the application as “meritorious” and issued two key directives. First, the Director General of Mile 2 Central Prisons must ensure Sanyang is taken to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination. Second, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director oversees the examination and ensures the report is sealed and presented to the court by October 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
State Counsel L. Jobarteh opposed the motion, arguing that the defense should arrange the examination independently and not rely on the court. Justice Jaiteh rejected this, emphasizing the importance of transparency. “This is a government report coming to the court, and there will be no tampering,” he stated, underscoring that the new judicial procedure ensures the authenticity of medical evidence in criminal cases.
The case has drawn attention due to the severity of the charges and the court’s strict adherence to the new legal framework. The outcome of the medical examination could significantly impact Sanyang’s bail prospects and the broader trial.
The court adjourned the matter to October 20, 2025, when the sealed medical report will be reviewed, potentially shaping the next phase of this high-profile case.
