By Sainabou Sambou
The High Court in Banjul was a cauldron of tension on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, as Abubacarr Jawara, the prominent CEO of GACH Global, faced a grueling cross-examination in a high-stakes civil suit involving over 58 million dalasis. Presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, the courtroom crackled with drama as Jawara categorically denied allegations of a romantic relationship with the first defendant, Kaddijah Kebbeh, while navigating intense scrutiny over financial dealings and a controversial social media video.
The case, which has gripped public attention, centers on a disputed sum of D58 million, with Jawara, a titan of Gambian industry, pitted against claims that have stirred both legal and personal intrigue. Counsel B.S. Conteh, representing the plaintiff, led a relentless cross-examination, probing Jawara’s financial records, prior court proceedings, and alleged personal connections to Kebbeh. The proceedings took a theatrical turn when Conteh introduced a widely circulated social media video, prompting fierce objections from the defense counsel. Drammeh and K. Jallow.
The video, which Justice Jaiteh permitted to be played despite procedural objections, featured Jawara stating, “After I showed the video of the money on social media, I said it might be my money, and I called Abdoulie Dibba.” Conteh seized on the phrase “it may be my money,” pressing Jawara to confirm the statement. Jawara, maintaining composure, responded, “When I saw the video and before confirming, I contacted Abdoulie Dibba.” Unrelenting, Conteh insisted, “I want you to stick to ‘it may be my money’ and nothing more,” to which Jawara countered, “That is part of my explanation,” holding his ground in a verbal tug-of-war.
The cross-examination then pivoted to GACH Global’s operations. Jawara, a seasoned entrepreneur since 1986, detailed his business ventures, including a tomato processing factory and import activities. He confirmed signing a contract with Gam-Petroleum, tendered as Exhibit P1, designating GTBank as the payment institution. However, when questioned about whether all payments adhered to this agreement, Jawara clarified that the funds in dispute were unrelated to the contract, a point that raised eyebrows in the courtroom.
The proceedings reached a crescendo when Conteh posed a provocative question: “Are you in a romantic relationship with the second accused?” The query ignited immediate objections from Counsels Drammeh and Jallow, with Jallow arguing, “The question is improper as there is no mention of a romantic relationship in the pleadings. Counsel should confine himself to the issues before the court.” Justice Jaiteh overruled the objections but instructed Conteh to rephrase. Undeterred, Conteh pressed, “I put it to you that you were in a romantic relationship with the second accused, which is why you gave her such a large amount of money.” Jawara’s response was swift and unequivocal: “No, that’s not correct.”
Conteh then shifted focus to a 2023 criminal trial in which Jawara had testified, noting that the second accused was acquitted on a no-case submission. “The court rejected all your claims of being robbed by the second accused?” Conteh challenged. Jawara, unfazed, replied, “That’s your opinion.” Conteh persisted, suggesting, “If the defendant had taken your money, he would have been convicted,” to which Jawara retorted, “That’s left to the court,” deftly sidestepping the trap.
The cross-examination also touched on a related civil case involving Gam-Petroleum, where Saikou Drammeh was named in a third-party proceeding. Jawara, deflecting legal intricacies, stated, “That is a legal matter my counsel can address,” redirecting the focus to his legal team.
Earlier, Jawara had reiterated his credentials, stating, “I am the CEO of GACH Global Company and have been in business since 1994. I own a tomato factory and make regular payments through EcoBank. While I signed a contract with Gam-Petroleum, the money in question should have been paid into a different account and is unrelated to fuel purchases from the depot.” This testimony aimed to distance the disputed funds from the contractual obligations outlined in Exhibit P1.
The courtroom exchanges underscored the complexity of the case, blending financial disputes with personal allegations that have fueled public speculation. Jawara’s composed yet resolute demeanor contrasted with Conteh’s aggressive line of questioning, creating a spectacle that captivated onlookers. As the cross-examination unfolded, it became clear that the D58 million dispute is not merely a financial matter but a saga entwined with questions of trust, business dealings, and personal relationships.
Justice Jaiteh’s rulings, particularly on the admissibility of the social media video and the rephrased question about the alleged romantic relationship, highlighted the delicate balance between procedural rigor and the pursuit of truth. The case, still unfolding, promises further revelations as both sides prepare to present additional evidence and witnesses.
As the court adjourned until October 12, the public was left to ponder the intricacies of Jawara’s empire and the true nature of the disputed millions. With the next hearing looming, Banjul’s High Court remains the stage for a legal drama that could reshape perceptions of one of Gambia’s most prominent business figures.
