Abdoulie Sonko Testifies: Salagi Police Assault Witnessed During Son's Arrest

• Abdoulie Sonko testified in defense of his son, Landing Sonko, in the ongoing Salagi criminal case before Principal Magistrate Mam Samba Jallow.
• He alleged witnessing police officers beating his son during his arrest at their home, denying his son's involvement in the charges.
• Landing Sonko and co-accused face charges including conspiracy to commit a felony (abduction) and wrongful confinement, under the Criminal Code Cap. 10:01 Gambia.
• The prosecution must prove the allegations, and all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
• The case has been adjourned to September 1, 2026, for further proceedings.

For lawyers defending clients in The Gambia, this case highlights the strategic importance of presenting witness accounts that detail alleged breaches of due process or instances of brutality during apprehension, as this can serve as a powerful defense against charges like conspiracy and wrongful confinement.

In a significant development in the ongoing Salagi criminal case, Abdoulie Sonko, a mason residing in Old Yundum, recently took the stand before Principal Magistrate Mam Samba Jallow. His purpose was to provide a defense for his biological son, Landing Sonko, who is among several individuals facing charges. During his testimony, Abdoulie Sonko vehemently denied the accusations leveled against his son, asserting that the allegations were both untrue and unfounded, though he could not specify the exact nature of the offense his son was accused of committing.

Central to Abdoulie Sonko's testimony was his eyewitness account of alleged police misconduct during his son's arrest. He recounted that he was informed by someone at his home that police officers were assaulting Landing Sonko. Upon rushing outside, he observed officers allegedly beating his son, with one officer reportedly holding Landing Sonko by the neck while he was on the ground. This alleged incident occurred at their residence, though Abdoulie Sonko stated he initially did not know the reason for the police presence. Despite witnessing these events, he confirmed to the court that he did not subsequently visit a police station to inquire about the circumstances of his son's arrest.

During the proceedings, Abdoulie Sonko questioned why his son had been accused. Principal Magistrate Mam Samba Jallow intervened, reminding the witness that his role was to present evidence based on his personal observations. This interaction underscored the procedural focus of the court, directing the testimony back to the factual account of what Abdoulie Sonko personally witnessed regarding the alleged Abdoulie Sonko testifies Salagi police assault.

Landing Sonko is one of several defendants in this matter, which also includes Ramou Sowe, Omar Drammeh, and Lamin Jaiteh. The charges stem from an incident alleged to have taken place on April 13, 2025, in Salagi. The accused persons face multiple counts, with the first charge being conspiracy to commit a felony. This is contrary to Section 368 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 10:01, Volume III, Laws of The Gambia 2009. Specifically, the prosecution alleges that Ramou Sowe, Omar Drammeh, and Lamin Jaiteh conspired to commit abduction.

Furthermore, the defendants are charged under Count Two with wrongful concealing or keeping in confinement a kidnapped or abducted person. This second charge is contrary to Section 238 of the Criminal Code. These specific sections of the Criminal Code Cap. 10:01 Gambia form the legal basis for the prosecution's case against Landing Sonko and his co-accused. The burden of proof rests entirely with the prosecution to substantiate these allegations in court.

It is a fundamental principle of the Gambian legal system that all accused persons are presumed innocent. This presumption remains in effect unless and until their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt by a court of competent jurisdiction. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine whether the prosecution can meet this stringent standard of proof for the alleged offenses.

The testimony provided by Abdoulie Sonko, alleging Landing Sonko police brutality Gambia during his arrest, introduces a critical dimension to the Salagi criminal case update. Such allegations of Gambia police misconduct can significantly impact the trajectory of a trial, potentially challenging the legality of the arrest and the evidence gathered thereafter. For lawyers defending clients in The Gambia, this case highlights the strategic importance of presenting witness accounts that detail alleged breaches of due process or instances of brutality during apprehension, as this can serve as a powerful defense against charges like conspiracy and wrongful confinement.

Abdoulie Sonko's account, particularly his claim of witnessing his son being beaten and held by the neck, directly confronts the narrative of a lawful and proper arrest. While he did not pursue inquiries at a police station, his sworn testimony before Principal Magistrate Mam Samba Jallow places the alleged police actions squarely before the court. This emphasizes the crucial role of witness statements in scrutinizing law enforcement conduct and ensuring accountability within the justice system.

The proceedings have been adjourned to September 1, 2026, for further continuation. This extended timeline underscores the complexity of the case, where the court must not only evaluate the primary charges but also consider the serious implications arising from the allegations of police misconduct. The outcome will be closely watched for its potential to influence future legal strategies concerning police conduct during arrests in The Gambia.

Lawyers defending clients in The Gambia should note the strategic use of alleging police misconduct during arrest as a defence, as demonstrated by Abdoulie Sonko's testimony. This case highlights the importance of witness accounts regarding due process and potential police brutality, which can be crucial in challenging charges like conspiracy and wrongful confinement.

Source: Original reporting via Foroyaa