The Alkalo of Banjulinding, Momodou Lungs Jarju, testified on Thursday, 14 May 2026, in a D30 million civil suit brought by musician Momodou Lamin Jarju, widely known as Rongo. Momodou Lungs Jarju officially entered the witness box before the High Court after the plaintiff concluded his case. This appearance marked a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings, as the Alkalo took the witness stand to present his testimony. The civil suit, which seeks substantial damages, has drawn considerable attention to the High Court.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit names Momodou Lungs Jarju, Imam Yahya Bah, Lala Njie (representing Malang Njie), Dawda Badjie (representing Modou Badjie), Landing Korteh, Abdou Jarju (representing Lamin Nafulou Jarju), Hamadou Ceesay (representing Jarbel Ceesay), Foday Barry, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) as defendants. The case involves serious allegations of unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution, and loss of earnings, making it a high-stakes legal battle for all parties involved. Before concluding his case, the plaintiff presented approximately 35 documents to the court, which are intended to support his claims against the numerous defendants. Momodou Lungs Jarju testified that he serves as the Alkalo of Banjulinding Village, a position of traditional authority within the community. He further stated that Banjulinding was previously located within the Kombo North District but is currently under the administration of Busumbala, clarifying the geographical and administrative context pertinent to the case. His testimony provided a foundational understanding of his role and the administrative history of the village.
Court Proceedings and Testimony
Defence Counsel K Sanyang represented the Alkalo, Momodou Lungs Jarju, during the proceedings, actively participating in the cross-examination and legal arguments. Lawyer M.L. Ceesay appeared for the plaintiff, Momodou Lamin Jarju, also known as Rongo, advocating for his client's claims. Presiding Judge Justice Sarah Aryee addressed both legal teams regarding the tendering of documents, a key procedural step in civil litigation. Justice Aryee stated that "the original documents had indeed been marked during pre-trial proceedings but had not been tendered as exhibits before the court." The judge's comment noted a procedural point concerning the formal submission of evidence, emphasizing the necessity for proper documentation in court. This intervention by Justice Aryee showed the importance of adhering to established legal protocols for evidence presentation. Following these discussions and the Alkalo's testimony, the court set new dates for the continuation of the proceedings. The matter was adjourned to 23 and 24 June 2026, when further testimony and arguments are expected to be heard, allowing for a thorough examination of the facts and legal positions.
Legal Representatives and Claims
The civil suit primarily alleges unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution, and loss of earnings against the defendants, forming the core of the plaintiff's grievances. Momodou Lamin Jarju, the plaintiff, is seeking D30 million in total damages for the alleged wrongs he suffered. This substantial sum is divided into three distinct claims, each valued at D10 million: one specifically for unlawful arrest and detention, another for malicious prosecution, and a third for loss of earnings. These individual claims reflect the full nature of the damages sought by the musician, noting the various impacts he alleges to have endured due to the actions of the defendants. The detailed breakdown of the D30 million claim provides clarity on the specific areas of alleged harm.