By: Alieu Ceesay
Momodou Bah, the man accused of murdering prominent youth activist and student leader Yunusa Mbaye, made his first appearance before the High Court in Banjul on Tuesday.
The case was transferred from the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court to the superior court for trial. Presiding over the proceedings, Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh inquired about Bah’s legal representation. The accused, who appeared without a lawyer, told the court he wished to be represented. “Yes, if I can have one,” Bah responded when asked by the judge.
Justice Jobarteh directed that a formal request be sent to the Ministry of Justice to facilitate legal aid for the accused. However, the matter could not proceed further because the prosecution is yet to file the bill of indictment, the formal document outlining the charges against Bah before the High Court.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case to 2 July 2026 for mention and further proceedings.
The court session drew significant public attention, with the premises packed by students from the University of the Gambia (UTG). The students, visibly angry and frustrated over what they described as the “untimely and gruesome killing” of their colleague Mbaye, had prepared to stage a protest outside the court and the nearby National Assembly.
Heavy police presence at both locations prevented the demonstration from taking place. According to sources, the students have instead drafted a petition to the Ministry of Justice demanding swift justice in the alleged murder case. They are now strategizing future actions to press for accountability.
The case continues to attract close public scrutiny as it moves through the judicial process.
