The Sanimenteng District Tribunal has begun hearing a land dispute concerning farmland located around Babylon, where multiple parties are presenting competing ownership claims. The tribunal's proceedings are focused on resolving the complex issues surrounding the land, which is situated near Makunbaya village. The case involves various individuals and families asserting their rights to the contested parcels. This specific land dispute, currently before the tribunal, is between Ousman Lowe, who is the complainant, and Lamin Njie, representing a party in the case. The tribunal's role is to meticulously examine all presented evidence and testimonies to arrive at a fair and legally sound decision regarding the ownership of the agricultural properties in question.
The dispute notes ongoing challenges in land tenure across the region, with the tribunal tasked with establishing legitimate ownership based on presented evidence and local customs. This legal process is underway to adjudicate the long-standing disagreements over the agricultural properties. The outcome is expected to clarify land rights for the affected community members in the Babylon area, potentially setting precedents for similar cases in the future. The complexity of the claims, coupled with references to historical land use and previous judicial decisions, shows the significance of the tribunal's current proceedings.
Witness Testimony on Land Sale
Kebba Kujabi, the Alkalo of Makunbaya village, presented testimony as a witness for Ousman Lowe. Kujabi stated that Musa Jammeh introduced Ousman Lowe to him, explaining Lowe's interest in purchasing a plot of land. "Musa Jammeh introduced Ousman Lowe to me and said he needed a plot of land and wanted to buy it," Kujabi confirmed. Kujabi then informed both men that the only land available to his family was situated in the Babylon area, where they traditionally farmed. "I told them that the only land we had was around Babilon village where we used to farm," he recounted. This initial interaction set the stage for the transaction that is now under scrutiny by the Sanimenteng District Tribunal.
Kujabi instructed Musa Jammeh and Ousman Lowe to visit and inspect the land. "I told them they could go together and see the place and whether he would like it or not," Kujabi explained. After Lowe expressed satisfaction with the land, Kujabi prepared a paper document and handed it to Lowe. "They came back and informed me about the matter, and I prepared the paper document and handed it to Ousman Lowe," Kujabi told the tribunal. This paper document, while not explicitly detailed, forms a key part of Ousman Lowe's claim to ownership. The testimony provided by Kebba Kujabi is central to understanding the circumstances surrounding the alleged sale of the land to Ousman Lowe, particularly as it details the process from initial inquiry to the transfer of a document.
Kujabi admitted that he did not personally participate in identifying the plot or carrying out its measurements. He stated that his brother, Alieu Kujabi, also known as Mansa Colley, and Musa Jammeh handled those responsibilities. "I did not participate during the plot identification and measurement," Kujabi testified. "My brother Alieu Kujabi, known as Mansa Colley, and Musa Jammeh participated during the process." This detail suggests that while Kebba Kujabi facilitated the sale, the practical aspects of delineating the specific parcel were delegated. Kujabi further clarified the land's location, stating it was farmland situated between land belonging to the Colley Kunda families and an area near their mosque. "Our farmland is between the Colley Kunda families’ land and just around their mosque," Kujabi said, adding, "That is not true. I know the place. That area is our farmland." This geographical description is vital for the tribunal's understanding of the exact property under dispute and its relation to other established landholdings.
The land sale to Ousman Lowe took place in 2015, according to Kujabi. "I cannot remember the date, but it was in 2015," he stated. This timeline places the transaction within a relatively recent period, yet the exact date remains unconfirmed by Kujabi. Kujabi, however, could not recall the exact number of plots sold in the area, indicating that he had sold "many plots of land." "I cannot remember how many plots of land, but I sold many plots of land in the area," he testified, also adding, "No, I cannot recall their names," when asked about other purchasers. This admission suggests a broader pattern of land transactions by Kujabi in the Babylon area, potentially contributing to the complexity of land tenure in the region. Kujabi admitted he possessed no formal documents proving ownership of the land. "No, I do not have any documents, but the land belongs to us," he affirmed. This lack of formal documentation is a significant point in the proceedings, as it contrasts with the expectations for clear legal proof of ownership in modern land disputes. Kujabi concluded his testimony by stating, "This is what I know until recently when Ousman Lowe told me that I should come here in court as a witness." His testimony, therefore, serves as a personal account of the transaction and the historical claim to the land.
Previous Court Rulings and Village Status
The Sanimenteng District Tribunal adjourned the current land dispute matter to June 10, 2026. Prior legal proceedings concerning land in the area have also been referenced during the tribunal’s sessions. A High Court judgment previously quashed the proceedings and judgment of the Kombo North District Tribunal, which had been delivered on February 7, 2007. This earlier High Court intervention notes a history of judicial review and challenges to land decisions made by local tribunals, indicating a long-standing pattern of contested land rights in the broader region.
Lamin Njie, representing a party in the current case, referred to an earlier High Court matter where a judgment was delivered in favor of Lamin Jarju of Babilon against Abdou Kolley and the Attorney General. Njie questioned a witness about the precise location of the disputed property, asking, "Where is this land located in Babilon? Because you mentioned it is located around Babilon village." Njie further challenged the witness's knowledge of the property, stating, "I am putting it to you that you do not know the land in question and the location of the land." This line of questioning aimed to undermine the credibility of the witness's claims regarding the land's location and their familiarity with the specific parcel.
Njie also probed the witness regarding documentation of ownership, inquiring, "Do you have any documents to show the court that the land belongs to you?" He then referenced the High Court's prior ruling, questioning, "There was a High Court judgment in favour of Lamin Jarju of Babilon against the people of Colley Kunda. How come you are claiming ownership of the same area?" This High Court judgment, delivered on July 9, 2015, was issued by Justice Kumba Sillah-Camara. The references to these previous rulings highlight a history of contested land claims in the Babylon area and the legal complexities involved in determining legitimate ownership. The existence of a prior High Court ruling favoring Lamin Jarju against the Colley Kunda families introduces a significant legal precedent that could influence the current tribunal's decision, especially if the disputed land overlaps with the area covered by that judgment. The repeated challenges regarding documentation and precise location show the critical importance of clear and verifiable evidence in these land disputes.
Tribunal Adjournment and Next Steps
The Sanimenteng District Tribunal adjourned the current land dispute matter to June 10, 2026. The ongoing dispute involves Ousman Lowe, who is the complainant, and Lamin Njie, representing a party in the case. During earlier proceedings, Njie questioned a witness about the precise location of the contested property, asking, "Where is this land located in Babilon? Because you mentioned it is located around Babilon village." Njie further challenged the witness's understanding of the property, stating, "I am putting it to you that you do not know the land in question and the location of the land." He also inquired about documentation of ownership, asking, "Do you have any documents to show the court that the land belongs to you?" Njie referenced a previous High Court ruling, questioning, "There was a High Court judgment in favour of Lamin Jarju of Babilon against the people of Colley Kunda. How come you are claiming ownership of the same area?" These rigorous cross-examinations by Lamin Njie reflect the contentious nature of the land claims and the efforts to scrutinize every aspect of the testimonies and evidence presented.
In a separate development during cross-examination, Seyfo Momodou Bojang of Sanimenteng District prohibited the use of "Babilon" as a village name. Bojang stated, "We do not recognise Babilon as a village." This statement introduces a new dimension to the land claims, as many of the contested properties are described as being "around Babilon village." The Seyfo's declaration could have significant implications for how the tribunal interprets geographical references and establishes boundaries, particularly if the legal status of "Babilon" as a recognized administrative unit is called into question. The tribunal's adjournment provides time for the parties to prepare for the next phase of the hearings, which aim to clarify land rights in the area. The outcome of this case is eagerly awaited by all parties involved, as it holds the potential to resolve long-standing disputes and establish clearer land tenure for the community members in and around the contested area. The complexity of the case, involving historical claims, lack of formal documentation, and previous judicial interventions, necessitates a thorough and careful deliberation by the Sanimenteng District Tribunal.
