Sureties as well as family members of the controversial Islamic scholar, Ba Kawsu Fofana, have informed the Daily Observer that the renowned scholar is not in government custody, as it is being rumoured around town.

Speaking to this reporter yesterday at his home in Banjul Tobacco Road, Alhaji Sheikh Yakubu Sillah, Imam of Tobacco Road Mosque, who is also the Halifa General of the Mandinka Association-Gambia, said it is clear that Ba Kawsu is not in the custody of the government. He disclosed that yesterday [Monday] around 11:30am, Omar Fofana, Ba Kawsu’s brother called him to extend the scholar’s message that he is fine and that he had just completed his prayers.

“The NIA has called us [sureties] to inform us that the problem is over and that they want to pardon him in the Holy Month of Ramadan,” he said, while advising Ba Kawsu to come back, adding that the case is over. Ousman Ceesay of Kerewan Sound, who is also one of the sureties, said he is part of those that bailed the controversial scholar when the latter was detained for nine days, and since then there has not been any problem. He further stated that Ba Kawsu was reporting to the NIA headquarters until the Ramadan started, and was allowed to stay at home until after Ramadan, since he is an Imam. “It was on the night of power that the NIA went to his home to inform him that the president has pardoned him considering the Holy Month of Ramadan, but wanted to go with him to their office to break the news to him,” he further intimated, adding that BaKawsu did not, however, trust the officers, and was scared.

He said he had called thefamily to express his disappointment with Ba Kawsu running away, noting that the problem is over. “But later Ba Kawsu called me at night to inform me that he did not trust those that came to pick him, but he is not in the custody of the government and is observing his 40-day prayers (Khalwa) and will return after finishing,” he added.

Also speaking to this paper, Omar Fofana, commonly known as Omar Kololi, a disciple (Talibeh), and Omar Fofana, a brother to Ba Kawsu , dismissed rumours that the scholar is in the hands of the government. They said they are always in touch with him and do call them. Though they admitted not knowing his whereabouts, they were quick to again stress that the scholar is not in the hands of the government.

Both men expressed delight with the information received from the two sureties that the case is over, while thanking President Jammeh for pardoning him. They finally felicitated the Gambian leader on the occasion of the Muslim feast of Koriteh.