16 airport security and immigration officials at the Gambia International Airport Yundum were remanded at the Mile 2 State Central Prison by Magistrate F. Forster of the Brikama Magistrates Court.

Magistrate Forster made this order following the submissions made by the principal state counsel, Merley Wood who represented the DPP, objecting to the accused persons being granted bail. The 16 officers are charged with conspiracy to commit official corruption. They are Sarjo Sonko, Mohammed Allen, Ebrima Sillah, Makumba Jamanka, Modou Lamin Jarju, Foday Ceesay, Kaddy Jammeh Jabang, Matilda Camara, Baboucarr Bajinka, Alieu Jammeh, Abdou Jatta, Kinty Jammeh, Ebrima Jallow, Mbaka Janneh, Lamin Sonko and Modou Lamin Manneh.

The particulars of the offence disclosed that the accused, being public officers employed in the public service of The Gambia and charged with the duties of screening passengers travelling at the international airport, conspired amongst themselves and others now at large to corruptly receive a bribe of D10,500 from one Cherno Bah in order to enable his younger brother (name withheld) to dishonestly use a forged passport to travel to the United States of America.

The matter was later adjourned to July 16, 2009 for hearing.


The ongoing criminal case before the Bundung Magistrates Court,  presided over by Principal Magistrate Kumba Sillah-Camara, involving Demba Sowe and Baboucarr - both  personnel of the National  Intelligence Agency (NIA) has now been assigned to Magistrate Olajubutu   Kayode.