Former soldier Sanna Manjang opened his defence before the High Court in Banjul, where he was initially indicted on murder-related charges. The indictment was amended multiple times during the course of the legal proceedings. The High Court allowed a further amended indictment to be filed on July 17, 2026. This latest amendment dropped the remaining murder charges, proceeding instead with two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm against Manjang. Following this development, Manjang subsequently withdrew an application for bail. His lawyer, Defence Counsel SK Jobe, stated that he lacked sufficient time to respond to the State’s opposing affidavit regarding the bail application. State prosecutor and deputy director of public prosecutions, ER Dougan, raised no objection to the adjournment sought for this matter, and Justice SK Jobarteh subsequently struck out the bail application.
Military Service and Border Command
Sanna Manjang joined the Gambia Armed Forces in January 1994, beginning a career that included various roles and responsibilities within the military. He served as a regimental police officer at Fajara Barracks, demonstrating his early commitment to service. Further enhancing his capabilities, Manjang underwent commando training in Libya. Following this specialised training, Manjang was assigned to the Kanilai patrol unit, a key position given its strategic importance.
He later led border security operations, which were specifically aimed at protecting Gambians residing near the Casamance border during a period of instability in the region. These key operations involved patrol teams that were rotated monthly to maintain vigilance and effectiveness. Manjang commanded these operations due to his extensive familiarity with the border area, providing essential leadership for the units deployed there. Soldiers assigned to these patrols were carefully selected by senior officers, including then State House Commander Ousman Badgie, and reported directly to Manjang for deployment and operational directives. Manjang is a resident of Brikama and is a father of eight children.
Rescue Mission and Defence Case
During his testimony as part of his defence, Sanna Manjang recounted leading a significant rescue mission. He stated that seven Gambians, who were allegedly held by Casamance rebels, were freed under his command. The operation involved an intense exchange of gunfire that lasted approximately 45 minutes as his team secured the release of the individuals. Following the successful rescue, the civilians were handed over to police authorities at Kalaji Police Station for further processing and care. After Manjang's testimony concluded, the defence requested an adjournment from the High Court to continue presenting its case and call further witnesses.
Legal Proceedings and Adjournment
Justice SK Jobarteh adjourned the High Court proceedings in Banjul following the conclusion of Sanna Manjang's testimony and the defence's request for additional time to present its case. The court is scheduled to reconvene on October 8, 2026, to allow for the continuation of the trial. This adjournment will provide the defence team with the necessary time to continue preparing its arguments in the ongoing case, where Manjang currently faces two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. The former soldier, who previously served with distinction in the Gambia Armed Forces and led critical border security operations, is presenting his defence after the initial murder allegations were significantly amended. The proceedings have seen multiple amendments to the indictment, with the current charges focusing solely on assault rather than the initial, more severe, murder allegations.