Banjul High Court Delays Trial of Man Accused of Killing University of The Gambia Graduate Assistant

Written by: Mama A. Touray

The trial of Momodou Bah, the man accused of murdering University of The Gambia graduate assistant Yunusa Mbaye, has been delayed until next week after the case reached the Banjul High Court.

When the matter came before Justice Sidiki K. Jobarteh on Thursday, state prosecutors informed the court that they had completed the necessary paperwork and were ready to begin the prosecution. However, the judge explained that the case file had not yet been placed before her court, making it impossible for the trial to proceed.

The case was previously transferred from the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court because magistrates do not have the authority to hear murder cases, which must be tried before the High Court.

Before adjourning the matter, Justice Jobarteh asked Bah whether he had a lawyer to represent him. He told the court that he did not.

At the next hearing, the court is expected to determine whether Bah can afford legal representation. If he cannot, the court is expected to appoint a lawyer through the National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA) to ensure he is represented during the trial.

Bah first appeared before Magistrate Sallah at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court last Monday over the alleged murder of Yunusa Mbaye. He was remanded at Mile Two Central Prison before the case was transferred to the Banjul High Court.

The case has now been adjourned to July 2, 2026.