By: Kexx Sanneh
In a significant development at the Kanifing Magistrate Court, Principal Magistrate Touray has remanded former soldier Abdoulie Sanyang on multiple charges, including arson, and transferred the case to the High Court for trial. The decision follows the prosecution’s argument that the magistrate’s court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case due to the severity of the arson charge, which carries a potential life imprisonment sentence.
The case, presided over by Principal Magistrate Touray, saw the Inspector General of Police represented by Commissioner A. Sanneh, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) M. Camara, and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) A. Touray. Sanyang was represented by defense counsels Lamin J. Darboe and F. Conteh.
Sanyang faces four counts under the Criminal Offences Act 2025. The first count, arson, alleges that in 2016, in Kanifing South, Sanyang participated in planning and setting fire to the National Bureau of the Alliance for Patriotic Re-orientation Construction (APRC). The second count, seditious intention, stems from statements Sanyang allegedly made on August 14, 2025, during West Coast Radio’s “Coffee Time Show.” The prosecution claims he accused the President of electoral malpractices in the 2021 Presidential elections, intending to incite hatred, contempt, or disaffection.
The third count, incitement to violence, relates to the same radio appearance, during which Sanyang allegedly admitted to funding the “3 Years Jotna Movement” for an illegal protest demanding the President’s resignation. The fourth count accuses Sanyang of disrespecting judicial proceedings by describing the ongoing court hearing of Ousainou Bojang as a “clandestine Court” during the August 14 broadcast.
Before the charges were read, ACP Camara, leading the prosecution, invoked Section 72 of the Criminal Procedure Code, arguing that the magistrate’s court lacked jurisdiction over the arson charge, a capital offense punishable by life imprisonment. He requested Sanyang’s remand under Section 125 and the transfer of the entire case to the High Court under Section 228. “My lord, since one of the charges is a capital offense and not bailable, we apply for the remand of the accused in prison pending trial in the High Court,” Camara stated.
Commissioner Sanneh supported the application, noting that while three counts could be heard in the magistrate’s court, the arson charge’s severity necessitated transferring all four counts to the High Court, as they could not be separated. Defense counsel J. Darboe did not object to the prosecution’s request.
After reviewing the arguments, Principal Magistrate Touray granted the prosecution’s application. “The court has granted the application, and the accused shall be remanded at the Mile 2 Central Prison pending the hearing,” he ruled. Following the decision, officers from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) escorted Sanyang to Mile 2 Central Prison, where he will remain until his High Court trial.
The case has drawn attention due to the serious nature of the charges and Sanyang’s status as a former soldier. The allegations, particularly those tied to his radio statements, have sparked debate about free speech and political dissent. The transfer to the High Court underscores the gravity of the charges, with the arson allegation carrying the most severe potential penalty. As the case progresses, legal observers anticipate a closely watched trial that could have significant implications.
Sanyang’s next court appearance will be scheduled at the High Court, where the four counts will be formally addressed. Until then, he remains in custody at Mile 2 Central Prison.
