By: Kexx Sanneh
A Kanifing Magistrates’ Court has denied bail to Salieu Gaye, the man accused of attempting to murder a victim in a January 19 shooting incident at Envy Night Club in Fajara, remanding him into custody pending further investigation.
Magistrate A. Manneh delivered the ruling on Monday, emphasizing the severity of the charges and the potential threat to public safety and the integrity of the police probe. The decision follows Gaye’s arraignment on two serious counts: attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to police prosecutor Inspector Baba Jallow, who represented the Inspector General of Police, the incident occurred on January 19, 2026, in Fajara. Gaye allegedly fired three rounds from a Taurus Armas pistol into the stomach of Muhammad Buharry Mendy, inflicting grievous bodily harm. Mendy remains hospitalized and has been unable to provide a formal statement due to his condition.
Gaye faces an additional charge under Section 8 of the Arms and Ammunition Act for possessing the unlicensed pistol without lawful authority. He pleaded not guilty to both counts when they were read to him in English, with the magistrate entering the plea on his behalf.
Inspector Jallow opposed bail, describing the offense as “next to murder” and highlighting concerns that Gaye, who does not reside in the country, posed a flight risk. He argued that releasing the accused could allow tampering with evidence or witnesses while the investigation remains at a critical stage.
Defense counsel B. Badjie vigorously contested the prosecution’s application, asserting that bail is a fundamental right tied to constitutional guarantees of personal liberty, freedom of movement, and the presumption of innocence. He contended that denying bail partly on the basis of the accused’s non-residency or nationality would amount to unconstitutional discrimination under Section 33 of the Gambian Constitution.
Magistrate Manneh recognized the defense’s constitutional arguments but ruled that such rights are not absolute and may be limited when justice requires it. She described the allegations as grave, involving direct violence against a person and the unauthorized possession of a firearm—factors that immediately raise public safety concerns.
“The allegation of attempted murder is grave, involving violence against a person,” the magistrate stated. “The allegation of unlawful possession of firearms further heightens the seriousness of the matter.”
She noted the unique circumstances of the ongoing investigation, particularly the victim’s inability to give a statement, and warned that granting bail could prejudice the case’s orderly progress. Taking judicial notice of the volatile risks associated with firearm offenses, she justified temporary remand to preserve public order and even the accused’s own safety.
The magistrate stressed that the remand is not punitive and does not imply guilt, but serves to safeguard the administration of justice. She indicated openness to reconsidering bail at future hearings as the investigation advances and circumstances stabilize.
The case has been adjourned to February 11, 2026, at 12:30 PM, when the prosecution is expected to present its first witness.
The shooting at the popular Envy Night Club prompted a swift police response, with authorities securing the scene and launching inquiries into the circumstances.
