Serrekunda Commanding Officer Testifies in GALA’s Alleged Unlawful Assembly Trial

By: Mama A. Touray

Superintendent Dawda Jallow, the Commanding Officer of the Serrekunda Police Station, has testified in the ongoing unlawful assembly trial involving three members of the Gambia Against Looted Assets (GALA) before Principal Magistrate Isatou Sallah Mbai of the Kanifing Magistrate Court.

Officer Jallow told the court that his role as commanding officer is to supervise police stations under his jurisdiction.

Testifying about the incident that led to his appearance before the court, Jallow said, “On Monday, September 16th 2025, I received a call from my command that there was a protest at the National Audit Office in Kanifing, which falls under my jurisdiction. I mobilised approximately 50 police officers and proceeded to the scene. Upon arrival, I found some journalists there and told them to leave, which they did.”

He explained that he asked the journalists whether they had any authorisation to be at the National Audit Office, and when they replied “no,” he informed them that their gathering was unlawful.

“After a while,” he continued, “another group led by Saibo Camara arrived and said they wanted to hold a press conference. I asked if he had any document permitting him to occupy the place, and he said no. I then asked him to disperse, and he complied.”

Jallow said the second accused, Alieu Bah, however, refused to leave and was later joined by the first accused, Kemo Fatty, who also insisted on staying.
“They said they were not moving, that they were there for a press conference. I told them they had to leave because they had no permit to be there,” Jallow testified. “They insisted they would gather even though they were not given a permit. That was when the Police Intervention Unit arrived and assisted in arresting them. They were then taken to Kairaba Police Station.”

During cross-examination, Jallow confirmed that he had written a statement following the arrest of the accused.

Counsel L.S. Camara put it to him that “the only reason you arrested them is because they insisted on holding a press conference — that is your evidence before this court,” to which Jallow replied, “Yes, but without a permit.”

The three accused persons — Kemo Fatty, Alieu Bah, and Omar Saibo Camara — are charged with two offences: unlawful assembly and common nuisance, under the Criminal Offences Act 2025.

According to the particulars of offence, the accused, on or about September 15th 2025 at the National Audit Office, allegedly conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by holding an unlawful protest against the removal of the Auditor General, without a permit from the Inspector General of Police.

The particulars further allege that, on the same date and place, the accused persons, without lawful authority or excuse, caused annoyance, obstruction, or inconvenience to the public.

The case has been adjourned to Monday, December 15th 2025, at 9:30 a.m. for the testimony of the second prosecution witness (PW2).

 By: Mama A. Touray Superintendent Dawda Jallow, the Commanding Officer of the Serrekunda Police Station, has testified in the ongoing unlawful assembly trial involving three members of the Gambia Against Looted Assets (GALA) before Principal Magistrate Isatou Sallah Mbai of the Kanifing Magistrate Court. Officer Jallow told the court that his role as commanding officer The Fatu Network