Police secure convictions in Abuko School, Jabang drifting incidents  

By Sulayman Waan

On August 19, 2025 the Bundung Magistrates’ Court sentenced Malick Badjie to a mandatory jail term of three years with hard labour for his role in the reckless car drifting incident at Abuko School, which left a Grade 6 student, Abdourahman Bah, seriously injured, police said.

“In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Malick Badjie to compensate the victim with one million Dalasis. Failure to pay the compensation will result in an additional two-year prison term,” the police statement added.

According to the police, this judgment follows his earlier guilty plea to a charge of Reckless and Negligent Act contrary to Section 190 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025.

The Gambia Police Force reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on reckless driving and car drifting, stressing that such acts pose grave risks to lives and public safety.

It further said the GPF remains resolute in ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.

In a similar development, The Gambia Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Seedy Mukhtar Touray, reaffirms commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all road users.

This case once again demonstrates the GPF’s determination to bring offenders of reckless and dangerous driving to justice.

Following the conviction of the five individuals involved in the dangerous drifting incident along the Sukuta–Jabang Highway, the Brusubi Magistrates’ Court has delivered sentencing as follows:

1. Count One: Convict Momodou Martin Sanyang shall pay a fine of D25,000.00 and serve 3 years imprisonment with hard labour.

2. Count Two: Convict Serigne Mass Gaye shall pay a fine of D1,000.00 and serve 3 months imprisonment with hard labour.

3. Count Three: Convict Serigne Mass Gaye shall also pay a fine of D25,000.00 and serve 3 years imprisonment with hard labour.

4. Count Four: Convict Muhammed Bah shall pay a fine of D20,000.00, in default to serve 2 years imprisonment with hard labour.

5. Count Five: Convict Muhammed Bah shall further pay a fine of D25,000.00 and serve 3 years imprisonment with hard labour.

6. Count Six: Convict Ismaila Faal shall pay a fine of D25,000.00 and serve 3 years imprisonment with hard labour.

7. Count Seven: Convict Ismaila Faal shall also pay a fine of D20,000.00, in default to serve 2 years imprisonment with hard labour.

8. Count Eight: Convict Samba Ceesay shall pay a fine of D25,000.00 and serve 3 years imprisonment with hard labour.

Accordingly, Momodou Martin Sanyang and Serigne Mass Gaye, will serve their sentences at Jeshwang Prison.

The Gambia Police Force commends the Anti-Crime Unit, all responding officers, and the Prosecutions Unit for their professionalism and dedication in handling this matter.

The GPF also extends appreciation to the community of Jabang for their cooperation and support, which played an important role in the swift apprehension of the offenders.

The Gambia Police Force emphasizes that reckless driving, drifting, and all forms of dangerous road behavior will not be tolerated. The Force remains steadfast in its mission to enforce the law and protect the lives and property of the Gambian people.