By: Sainabou Sambou
Proceedings in the high-profile criminal case involving businessman Paulo Djabi and two co-accused were dramatically paused on Wednesday as the High Court in Banjul granted time for plea bargain negotiations under The Gambia’s new Criminal Procedure Act 2025.
Justice Ebrima Jaiteh adjourned the matter after the Director of Public Prosecutions, A.M. Yusuf, informed the court that the state wished to engage in formal plea discussions with the defense. Defense counsel S.M. Tambadou, representing all three accused, confirmed their willingness to participate in the process.
The accused — Paulo Djabi, Nadine Ismael De Gouveira Pereira, and Mamadu Neto Djabi — face a total of 20 counts brought by the Attorney General. The charges center on alleged dealing in and possession of prohibited drugs, as well as multiple counts of money laundering and failure to declare foreign currency.
According to the indictment, on 27 August 2023, Paulo Djabi and Nadine Ismael De Gouveira Pereira were allegedly discovered in their apartment at Fajara Waterfront, Kanifing Municipality, in possession of 1 gram 670mg gross weight and 1 gram 220mg net weight of MDMA. Additional counts accuse Paulo Djabi and Mamadu Neto Djabi of possessing varying quantities of the same substance, ranging from 1 gram, 930mg to 3 grams, 450mg gross weight.
The charges also include possession of four bottles of amphetamine and drug-related paraphernalia such as pipes and other utensils allegedly adapted for consuming prohibited drugs, contrary to sections 33 and 35 of the Drug Control Act, Cap 13:05.
On the financial side, Paulo Djabi and Nadine Ismael De Gouveira Pereira are accused of failing to declare currency exceeding US$7,500 or its equivalent when entering The Gambia between 2021 and 2023, in violation of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorist Financing Act 2012. Several counts allege money laundering by concealing funds derived from illicit activities used to acquire substantial assets.
These assets reportedly include properties at Fajara Waterfront, Kololi Sands, Baraka Estate in Bakoteh, and Forest View Apartment in Kololi. The indictment further details the purchase of 15 vehicles and 3 motorbikes, all of various models. The alleged transaction values cited in the charges include large sums such as US$1,694,000, US$89,000, US$102,000, €318,043, €119,183, and €85,000.
In court, DPP Yusuf applied for an adjournment to facilitate plea negotiations, while Tambadou indicated the defense’s readiness to engage. Justice Jaiteh, referencing sections 143 and 144 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025, ruled that the law explicitly allows such agreements between the prosecutor and the accused after charges are filed but before judgment.
The judge described the move as “proper and in the interests of justice,” noting that any plea agreement on the state’s behalf must be handled by the Director of Public Prosecutions or an authorized officer.
The case has now been adjourned to Thursday, 18 June 2026, at 12 noon, when the court will be updated on the outcome of the negotiations.
Legal observers see the development as a significant test of the plea-bargaining provisions introduced in the 2025 Criminal Procedure Act, which aim to reduce the backlog of cases and encourage the efficient resolution of complex criminal matters. The outcome of the talks could determine whether the trial proceeds to a full hearing or concludes with a negotiated settlement.
