The Spotlight Media

01/10/2025

POLICE INVESTIGATE TWO ALLEGED MURDER CASES IN NORTH BANK REGION

Date: October 1, 2025

The Police are investigating two separate alleged murder cases in the North Bank Region, both involving minors.

The first incident occurred in Ndofan Village on September 29, where a four-year-old boy, Musa Manneh, was allegedly struck on the head with a stone by a 16-year-old, Samba Faal. The victim later died, and arrangements are underway for a psychiatric evaluation of the suspect.

The second case, also on September 29, happened in Daru Rilwan, involving Modou Njie (15, deceased) and Mutarr Jawara (13, suspect). After falling off a motorcycle on their way to cut grass for their horses, an altercation broke out during which Mutarr allegedly stabbed Modou in the neck with a sickle. Modou was confirmed dead at Njaba K***a Health Centre.

Crime scene investigators visited both scenes. In the Daru Rilwan case, the sickle believed to be the murder weapon, along with other related evidence, was recovered for forensic analysis.

The Police urge parents and guardians to exercise greater vigilance over children, encourage peaceful conflict resolution, and ensure that minors do not have access to dangerous objects.

29/09/2025

President Adama Barrow Addresses Recent Protests, Calls For Peace and Unity
Highlights 𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔.

29/09/2025

President Adama Barrow Addresses Recent Protests, Calls for Peace and Unity

On 29th September 2025, President Adama Barrow issued a broadcast statement addressing the recent protests in The Gambia that resulted in loss of life and injuries among citizens and security personnel. Expressing deep sorrow, the President extended condolences to the family of Omar Badjie and offered support to all affected families and those injured.

President Barrow reaffirmed the government’s respect for the constitutional right to peaceful protest, emphasizing that violence and destruction undermine national freedoms and will be met with firm legal action. He urged all Gambians, especially the youth, to channel grievances through lawful and constructive means, assuring that the government is listening and committed to dialogue.

Highlighting the dangers posed by a small minority seeking to exploit unrest for personal or political gain, the President called for vigilance and unity to prevent division. He also appealed to security forces to maintain professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights while upholding public order.

The statement concluded with a call for all Gambians to reaffirm their shared responsibility for peace, stability, and development by using democratic institutions to address concerns peacefully. President Barrow stressed that only through unity and peaceful engagement can The Gambia realize its national aspirations.

28/09/2025

POLICE ARREST HOUSEMAID FOR THEFT IN BRUFUT

Date: September 28, 2025

The Brufut Anti-Crime Unit is investigating a case of stealing involving a 29-year-old Gambian, employed as a housemaid, who is currently in custody in connection with missing cash belonging to a complainant, her boss.

Cash reported missing included USD 850, EUR 100, and GMD 5,000. Following investigations and a search at the suspect’s resident, the following were recovered: USD 200, EUR 100, GMD 10,000, as well as household appliances and electronics purchased from the proceeds of the stolen money.

The suspect is cooperating with Police investigators as inquiries into the matter continue.

Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.

25/09/2025

17/09/2025

Over 400,000 Ecstasy Pills Confiscated In Gambian Anti-Drug Operation

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) has made a landmark seizure of over 400,000 pills of suspected ecstasy during a month-long sting operation targeting drug trafficking and abuse. On September 16, 2025, two adult Gambian nationals were arrested with a total of 401,767 ecstasy pills, with an estimated street value of approximately 40 million dalasis at wholesale price.

Fallou Cham was apprehended at London Corner in Serrekunda around 8:40 PM GMT with 1,767 pills. Subsequent investigations uncovered a bunker in Sukuta containing eleven suitcases filled with 80 packets of ecstasy, each holding 5,000 pills. Authorities also seized cash believed to be proceeds from the illicit trade, including 967,700 dalasis, 175,000 CFA francs, and 50,100 euros.

Following leads, officers arrested Mariama Jawara at her residence in Brufut. Preliminary inquiries indicate the drugs were shipped from Holland, allegedly coordinated by Mariama, whose husband resides there. She is suspected of playing a central role in the trafficking network.

Both suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to dismantle this drug operation.

16/09/2025

National Assembly Grants 90-Day Extension To Committee Investigating Jammeh’s Assets Disposal

The National Assembly has approved a 90-day extension for the Special Select Committee investigating the sale and disposal of assets identified by the Janneh Commission. The extension, effective from September 18, 2025, was granted under Section 109(2) of the 1997 Constitution and the Assembly’s Standing Orders.

The Committee, established on May 14, 2025, was initially given 120 days to examine the sale and disposal of assets forfeited to the State following the Commission of Inquiry into financial activities under former President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh.

Honorable Abdoulie Ceesay, chairperson of the Committee, explained that the extension is necessary due to the expanded scope of evidence. The Committee’s work has involved extensive document reviews, analysis of complex financial transactions, site visits, and numerous public hearings. The additional time will allow the Committee to complete its thorough investigation.

16/09/2025

Lamarana Barry, popularly known as “General Barry,” has been formally charged with negligent act causing death following a tragic accident. The Bundung Magistrate Court, presided over by Principal Magistrate Dawda Fatty, began hearing the case on September 15, 2025.

The charge arises from an incident where the victim, Tairu Barry, reportedly fell from the accused’s motorbike and subsequently died at Bundung Maternity and Children’s Hospital. Lamarana Barry faces one count under Section 189 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, relating to rash or negligent acts causing death. He pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

During the hearing, the defense requested bail for Barry, but the prosecution opposed the application. The court adjourned the case to October 6, 2025, for a ruling on the bail request and to continue hearing testimony from the first prosecution witness.

The Gambia Police Force emphasized its dedication to pursuing justice thoroughly and in full compliance with the law.

16/09/2025

The Brikama Magistrates’ Court has secured convictions against 102 foreign nationals in two separate cybercrime cases, highlighting the Gambia Police Force’s firm stance against cybercrime. The prosecutions were carried out by the Office of the Inspector General of Police.

In the first case, 42 individuals—37 Nigerians and 5 Chinese nationals—were found guilty of unlawful possession of devices and data, as well as computer-related offences including fraud and forgery. Each convict was sentenced to pay a fine of D20,000 or serve two months imprisonment if the fine is not paid, with sentences to run consecutively.

The second case involved 60 Chinese nationals convicted on similar charges, receiving identical sentences of a D20,000 fine or two months imprisonment, also to run consecutively.

The court ordered the forfeiture of all items used in the commission of the crimes, including mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers, televisions, and related accessories, to the Office of the Inspector General of Police. The convicts will remain confined pending deportation to their home countries at their own expense. The Gambia Immigration Department will facilitate the deportations within 10 days.

The Gambia Police Force reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on cybercrime, emphasizing its dedication to exposing, prosecuting, and dismantling criminal networks that threaten national security.

16/09/2025

Five individuals were arrested by police on September 15, 2025, for unlawful assembly and common nuisance at the National Audit Office in Kanifing. Among those detained is Omar Saibo Camara, the Public Relations Officer of GALA. The other arrested individuals include Kemo Fatty of Bakoteh, Alieu Bah of Brusubi, Mamamdou Camara from Jambanjelly, and Bakary Tamba, a journalist.

However, Tamba from Gambia Talent Promotion was briefly detained but released after screening, while the other four remained in custody. The arrests followed a gathering at the National Audit Office, during which the GALA spokesperson attempted to conduct a press interview. According to the police, his use of disparaging language and efforts to incite colleagues to demand the release of previously arrested individuals led to his arrest alongside the others.

Formal statements have been taken, and the the arrested individuals have been charged accordingly.

15/09/2025

Video of how activist Alieu Bah was forcefully arrested by 8 police officers and thrown in a police pickup.

13/09/2025

Her Excellency the First Lady, through the Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow Foundation (FaBB), laid the foundation stone for the first-ever Accident and Emergency Unit at Bansang Hospital today. This move has been described as a historic milestone in the hospital’s 80-year history and highlights the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the country. The new unit will provide critical emergency services.