By Sainabou Sambou
Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court of The Gambia has refused the State’s application to have Prosecution Witness 7, Saul Frazer, the CEO of Global Properties, declared a hostile witness in the ongoing money-laundering trial involving Paulo Djabi, Nadine Ismael de Goubela Pereira, and Mamadou Neto Djabi.
The prosecution, through Counsel Jobarteh, argued that Frazer’s testimony did not align with the State’s case and therefore asked the court to declare him hostile. Defence Counsel Tambadou strongly objected, insisting that the witness was testifying truthfully and that the State had failed to provide any legitimate grounds for such a declaration.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Jaiteh emphasised that a witness can only be declared hostile when it is proven that the witness is deliberately withholding the truth, being evasive, or contradicting earlier statements in a significant and intentional manner. He noted that none of those conditions were met in Frazer’s testimony.
Justice Jaiteh observed that Frazer answered questions clearly and showed no indication of dishonesty or reluctance. He stressed that a witness should not be branded hostile merely because their testimony does not support the prosecution’s narrative.
The judge further stated that the State failed to demonstrate any meaningful inconsistency between Frazer’s testimony and his previous statements. Consequently, the application was dismissed.
With the ruling delivered, the court confirmed that PW7 remains a prosecution witness and that his evidence stands as presented.
Meanwhile, Frazer told the court that Pablo Diaby bought three apartments at the Kololi Sands project for about €136,000 to €138,000 each, describing the transactions as “normal” and “transparent.”
All three accused persons were present when the matter was called on Thursday, 20th November 2025. State Counsel S. L. Jobarteh represented the prosecution, while Defence Counsel S. M. Tambadou appeared for all accused individuals.
The case has been adjourned to 15th December at 11:00 a.m. for continuation of the hearing.
