The trial of alleged former jungler Sanna Manjang has resumed at the High Court in Banjul, with the accused firmly denying allegations that he participated in the arrest and torture of Tamsir Jasseh and military officer Yaya MS Darboe in 2006.
Manjang faces two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm under Section 228 of the Criminal Code. He concluded his evidence-in-chief before State Counsel ER Dougan began cross-examination.
During his testimony, Manjang maintained that he was stationed at Kanilai and responsible for border patrols from 2003 to 2017. He said he had no operational involvement with a separate patrol team operating in the Banjul Area under State House command.
He identified members of that team as Nuha Badjie, Momodou Jarju, also known as Rambo, Michael Correa, Fansu Nyabally, Mustapha Sanneh and Sulayman Sambou.
Manjang told the court that he first learned about the alleged coup plot involving Colonel Ndure Cham through a military signal. Although the names of Jasseh and Darboe appeared in the communication, he said he had never met or seen either of them at the time.
He also denied ever participating in their arrest or torture, saying he only learned of their detention through military communications while in Kanilai.
Regarding Mile 2 Central Prison, Manjang said he last entered the facility in 2000 while serving guard duties at Fajara Barracks. He also denied having any involvement with activities at the National Intelligence Agency.
Under cross-examination, Manjang said he joined the Gambia Armed Forces in 1995 and rose through the ranks to lieutenant colonel. He acknowledged that his name had been mentioned by witnesses during the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission proceedings but maintained his innocence.
The prosecution is expected to file a motion before the next hearing. Justice Sidi K Jobarteh ordered that the motion be served on the defence by October 23.
The case was adjourned to November 6th.
