By Sainabou Sambou
The High Court in Banjul on Tuesday adjourned the criminal trial of former Lands Minister Sheriff Abba Sanyang and six co-accused persons after the prosecution admitted it needed fresh instructions and a restructured legal team following a tense courtroom confrontation involving one of its counsel.
Presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, the court could not proceed with the scheduled hearing as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) A.M. Yusuf informed the bench that the State was not ready to continue. The adjournment stems from internal procedural challenges within the prosecution, triggered by a recent incident that has disrupted the smooth conduct of the case.
The seven accused—Sheriff Abba Sanyang, Cherno Serending Sabally, Kalilu Sanyang, Bakary Gomez, Bakary Sanneh, Lamin Sabally, and Malang Jarju—face serious charges of abuse of office and irregular dealings involving state-forfeited land.
All accused were present in court when the matter was called. K. Sanyang represented the first accused, while counsel Lamin J. Darboe appeared for the second to seventh accused.
DPP Yusuf explained that State Counsel S.L. Jobarteh, who had been leading the prosecution, was no longer in a position to continue following “developments” in an earlier sitting. He requested time for the prosecution to receive fresh instructions, properly brief new counsel, and reorganize its approach to ensure the case proceeds in an “orderly and properly managed manner.”
Defense counsel K. Sanyang strongly opposed the adjournment application.
He argued that the prosecution had already had ample time during previous sittings to resolve internal issues. “The State should have been prepared,” he submitted, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and the repeated delays already granted for consultations within the Attorney General’s Chambers.
The request for adjournment is directly linked to a dramatic courtroom incident in a previous hearing involving State Counsel Jobarteh. Justice Jaiteh had warned the counsel over his conduct, particularly regarding interruptions and disagreements on courtroom procedure.
The judge indicated that Jobarteh risked contempt proceedings, including possible remand at Mile 2 Central Prison. The confrontation created significant tension and reportedly forced the prosecution to reassess its representation in the matter.
In his ruling, Justice Jaiteh acknowledged the prosecution’s difficulties and took judicial notice of the disruption caused by the earlier incident. He granted the adjournment, stating that fairness and proper representation in serious criminal proceedings demanded such a step. However, the judge used the opportunity to underscore the importance of courtroom discipline.
“This is the temple of justice, and we are ministers in that temple,” Justice Jaiteh declared. “The public must have confidence in us. When things go wrong, we must correct them.”
The judge stressed that while the court expects diligence from all parties, it must also ensure that institutional responsibilities are upheld to maintain public trust in the judiciary.
The case, which has drawn considerable public attention due to the profile of the accused and the sensitive nature of land-related corruption allegations, has now been adjourned to Monday, 18th May 2026, at 11 am.
The trial is expected to resume with a clearer prosecution strategy, as the court seeks to balance efficiency with the rights of all parties.
