By Adama Makasuba
Seven soldiers were on Monday sentenced to 9 years imprisonment and one to 3 years. On the other hand four soldiers were also freed by the same court.
The twelve soldiers were facing prosecution on 9 counts including- treason, incitement to mutiny, failure to report mutiny, conspiracy to commit mutiny, endeavor to persuade members of the Armed Forces to take part in mutiny, negligent or willful interference with lawful custody, connivance of desertion, connivance of desertion and negligent interference with lawful custody.
The seven soldiers sentenced to 9-years in prison include, Captain Yahya B Jammeh, Lt, Abdoulie Jarju, Lt Yahya Jammeh, Sgt Buba Sanneh, Sgt Malick Bojang, Private Mbemba Camara and Lance Corporal Abba Gibba while Private Alieu Sanneh was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment. It’s alleged that at least three of the soldiers convicted were State House guards for the former President Yahya Jammeh.
However, the court freed Corporal Sulayman Sanyang, Corporal Lamin Gibba, Lance Corporal Ebrima Jallow, and Lance Corporal Sambujang Bojang.
During his ruling, the President of the court-martial Colonel Salif Bojang said “the decision of the court is usually determined by the vote of majority, the court has considered the plea of mitigation and the length of their detention in its findings. This decision has been confirmed by its authorities as required by its (GAF) Act.”
In 2017, the twelve soldiers were arrested and charged for plotting a coup against the government of Gambian president Adama Barrow over a secret Whatsapp group audio. The men were accused of plotting to reinstate exile former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.