In a dramatic escalation of the economic crime and theft trial involving Alhagie Kebbeh, Justice Jaiteh of the High Court has ordered two Permanent Secretaries to appear in court with critical documents or face imprisonment for contempt.
The trial focuses on allegations that Kebbeh and his company defrauded the Gambian government of over D64 million during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2020 and 2021, Kebbeh allegedly received payment for 58,500 bags of 50-kilogram rice intended for vulnerable families but delivered only 17,096 bags, withholding 41,404 bags. He faces charges under Section 5(f) of the Economic Crimes Act and Section 245 of the Criminal Code for theft. Kebbeh has pleaded not guilty.
Today, Justice Jaiteh invoked Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, ordering Mr. Hassan Jallow, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and now at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, to testify about a June 12, 2023, police statement and remain available until discharged. The current Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Mr. Lamin Dampha was directed to produce key correspondence, including a December 7, 2020, letter from Win-Win Oil Gambia Limited confirming rice stock and a February 17, 2022, letter to the World Food Programme’s country director.
Justice Jaiteh emphasized compliance, warning that failure to appear or produce documents by the next hearing could lead to contempt charges and imprisonment. To ensure adherence, copies of the order were served to the respective ministers.
The case is adjourned to May 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with the court expecting full cooperation from the summoned officials.
