The High Court of The Gambia has denied bail to Sanna Manjang, a former member of the Junglers paramilitary squad, who is accused of murder. Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh presided over the case, which involves the alleged killings of journalist Deyda Hydara, Ndongo Mboob, and Haruna Jammeh in 2004.
Manjang’s defence team, led by counsel S.K. Jobe, argued that under the new Crimes Offences Act, murder is now a bailable offence. They contended that the accused, presumed innocent until proven guilty, has the right to bail, especially since the State has not yet filed a bill of indictment. Jobe also raised concerns about being denied access to his client at Mile 2 Prison, citing an unlawful requirement to seek approval from a “Security Adviser” before seeing Manjang.
However, Director of Public Prosecutions A.M. Yusuf opposed the bail application, stating that murder is not ordinarily bailable and the charges remain valid until replaced by an indictment. Yusuf argued that issues surrounding prison access do not constitute legal grounds for bail.
In her ruling, Justice Jobarteh noted that while the State has not yet filed a bill of indictment, the High Court cannot operate purely on a “holding charge”. She observed that the defence had not satisfied the statutory conditions required for bail in capital offence cases. The judge ordered the Director General of Prisons to grant counsel access to Manjang pending arraignment and gave the State until January 12, 2026, to file a bill of indictment. The case has been adjourned until January 15, 2026, for plea taking.
The denial of bail to Manjang comes as the Gambian judiciary continues to grapple with high-profile cases involving former members of the Junglers, a paramilitary squad accused of numerous human rights abuses during the rule of former President Yahya Jammeh. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to address impunity and ensure justice for victims of past abuses in The Gambia. With the next court date set, attention will be focused on the prosecution’s ability to present a solid case against Manjang and the defence’s efforts to prove their client’s innocence.
