By Sainabou Sambou
The murder trial of Mamadou Bah opened before the High Court in Banjul on Thursday, with the accused vehemently denying charges that he fatally stabbed Yunusa Mbaye in the neck with a broken bottle during a neighborhood dispute in Fajara.
Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh is presiding over the case. State Counsel M. Jammeh is prosecuting, while Counsel M. Barrow represents Bah.
Bah pleaded not guilty to murder contrary to Section 155 and punishable under Section 156 of the Criminal Offenses Act 2025. Prosecutors allege that on 15 June 2026, in Fajara, Kanifing Municipality, Bah unlawfully caused the death of Mbaye by stabbing him in the neck with a broken glass bottle.
The first prosecution witness, Babadinding Ceesay (PW1), a security officer from Fajara, told the court he knew both men as they frequently gathered under a tree in the area. Ceesay testified that he had walked about 30 meters away to answer a phone call when he heard Mbaye say, “You wanted me to reduce the volume of the radio, and I have done that. What more do you want?”
According to Ceesay, Bah then insulted the deceased, picked up a bottle near a fence, and ran towards him. The witness dropped his phone and rushed to intervene. He said Mbaye picked up a stone in response, but before he could use it, Bah stabbed him on the left side of the neck with the broken bottle. Mbaye then threw the stone at his attacker.
Ceesay described separating the two men and pushing Bah away. While assisting the injured Mbaye, he said Bah attempted to attack again, but was restrained. The witness recounted the wound as deep and severe, with the broken bottle penetrating the neck. He used Mbaye’s shirt to apply pressure before help arrived. Mbaye grew weak and was taken to Ndemban Clinic by a man named Demba, where he was later pronounced dead.
Under cross-examination, defense counsel M. Barrow highlighted that Ceesay was on a phone call and 30 meters away when the confrontation started. The witness admitted he did not see how the fight began but insisted he clearly saw Bah stab Mbaye first. He also acknowledged a closer relationship with the deceased than with the accused.
The second prosecution witness, Cherno Mbenga (PW2), a watchman, testified that Bah had earlier asked Mbaye to lower the radio volume. Mbaye complied, saying he wanted no trouble. Mbenga said he later dozed off but woke suddenly when broken glass fell on him. He saw Bah holding the broken bottle and stabbing Mbaye in the neck.
PW2 added that another man, Demba Ndow, struck Bah with a chair when he refused to calm down. Bah fell but got up, picked up his cigarette and lighter, and fled. Residents chased him while PW2 sought transport for the victim.
During cross-examination, the defense tendered PW2’s police statement, which was admitted as Defense Exhibit DW1. The witness maintained its accuracy.
The case has been adjourned to 16 July 2026 at 12:00 p.m. for continuation of the hearing.
