26/09/2025
🚨GALA STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO POLICE BRUTALITY IN MANDINARY ‼️
Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) is deeply dismayed, outraged, and profoundly disturbed by the tragic death of a young man Omar Badjie who, according to reports, allegedly died after being severely beaten by police officers. Upon learning of the tragedy, GALA executive members visited the victim’s family home in Mandinary this evening. Family members who viewed the body stated that the visible injuries strongly suggest he was beaten to death, with particular emphasis on the severe injuries observed around the neck.
The official police statement issued in the wake of this tragedy is grossly inadequate. Authorities claim the victim was found in possession of a single joint of ma*****na and that he died after falling during a pursuit by officers. However, this account raises more questions than it answers and appears to minimize what may amount to a serious abuse of power, potentially rising to the level of an extrajudicial killing. The claim that the victim simply “fell during hot pursuit” strains credibility, especially in light of multiple eyewitness accounts alleging that the suspect was violently beaten by officers before being transported to the hospital, where he was later declared dead.
How does a person allegedly in possession of a non-lethal quantity of cannabis end up dead in police custody? Why was such force necessary if at all? Where is the accountability?
This is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern of police brutality and impunity. GALA categorically condemns this tragic and unnecessary loss of life. The use of excessive force by law enforcement, especially in a case involving an alleged non-violent offense is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and represents a grave betrayal of public trust.
Therefore, we demand a full, independent, and transparent investigation into the exact circumstances of the suspect’s death, immediate suspension and prosecution of all officers involved, pending the outcome of the investigation. And that an autopsy be conducted by an independent medical examiner, with the findings made public.
Additionally, we demand clear answers on what level of force was used, and why? Was the victim given medical assistance at the scene?
The victim’s family deserves answers, and the public deserves justice. We will not allow this case to be quietly swept under the rug. The days of silence and impunity must come to an end. Meanwhile, let us not lose sight of the fact that a life has been lost over what is alleged to be a single joint of ma*****na. That is not policing but brutality, and it must not be tolerated.
We urge the public to continue demanding accountability peacefully but firmly, and we call on all institutions of justice to act swiftly, transparently, and impartially.
“Let Justice Guide Our Actions, Towards The Common Good!”
GALA Central Committee