By Alieu Ceesay
Dozens of elderly Gambians, many of them intending pilgrims, gathered outside the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, chanting “We need our monies!” and brandishing banners accusing a local travel agency of swindling them out of more than D60 million intended for the 2025 Hajj.
The protesters, some visibly distressed and in tears, displayed placards reading “Why is Kanimang and his Company allowed to keep our monies?”, “Stop, Resist, Repay”, and “For months we are weeping in distress and frustration; we need justice.” Their frustration boiled over as they demanded the return of funds paid to Ejabah Traveling and Tours for pilgrimage arrangements that never materialized.
The court appearance of Kanimang Bajo, Chief Executive Officer of Ejabah Traveling and Tours, brought the long-running saga closer to a possible resolution. Police escorted Bajo to face charges for collecting payments from hundreds of aspiring pilgrims during the last Hajj season without delivering the promised services.
Many of the alleged victims were present in court, hoping for swift justice and the recovery of their hard-earned savings. “We want our monies, we need justice,” the angry group repeatedly chanted outside the premises.
During the hearing, Inspector B. Jallow, representing the Inspector General of Police, applied for an adjournment, stating that the prosecution needed more time to regularise certain judicial requirements and finalize witness statements.
“We respectfully apply for adjournment. There are so many things to settle; we need to regularise our house,” Inspector Jallow told the court. He added that several witnesses were still being lined up for the case.
Counsel ML Ceesay, representing the accused, strongly opposed the application. He argued that the prosecution had had sufficient time to complete its investigations and urged the magistrate to discharge his client and strike out the case.
“The excuse presented by the prosecution is not reasonable. If the prosecution is still investigating, they can continue while the accused is discharged and remains within the jurisdiction,” Ceesay submitted.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate A. Manneh ruled in favor of the prosecution, granting a final adjournment in the interest of justice. He ordered that Bajo remain in custody at the Mile Two Central Prison.
The matter has been adjourned to Tuesday, 21st July 2026, for further hearing.
The case has sparked widespread concern among Gambian Muslims, many of whom save for years to fulfill the religious obligation of Hajj. Victims claim they handed over varying sums to Ejabah Traveling and Tours, only to be left stranded as departure dates passed without any arrangements being made.
As the matter returns to court next week, the alleged victims say they will continue pressing for the return of their money and full accountability.
