The Gambia Police Force has issued a statement to refute a claim against two of its officers for alledgedly involving in a passport scandal.

According to the police, the allegation claims that one Gambian American was arrested and charged with indecency, remanded for two years without being convicted and his passport forfeited and sold to someone who used it to travel to the United States of America.

However, the Gambia Police Force described the allegation as “false, malicious, and grossly misleading aimed to disrepute the reputation of the Gambia Police Force.

“This particular case was first mentioned in August 2019 before the then Magistrate Malafi Jarju of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court whilst the case docket was sent to the AG Chambers for legal advice. 

“The accused was remanded by the court and later admitted to bail before his matter was reinstated before the High Court of The Gambia where it is being currently heard. 

“Judging by this, without any scintilla of doubt, therefore, it is illogical to think that the passport has been sold by the Police,” the statement said.

“Important to mention is that, the general public should note that members of the GPF are neither above nor below the law, even though we are law enforcement officers. 

“The law is here for all and knows no respecter-of-status. It is also crucial for the public to know that there exists a Human Rights and Professional Standard Unit (HRPSU) within The Gambia Police Force to which members of the public can report any rights violation or unfair treatment meted out by our personnel. 

“The Unit is charged with the responsibility of making sure police officers do not arrogate to themselves any undue advantage in the discharge of their functions.

“As a public institution, we welcome and value constructive criticisms from the public in a bid to hold the institution and its personnel to account. 

“However, we urge the public to be responsible at all times in the exercise of their democratic and constitutional right of freedom of speech. 

“As we vehemently discount this allegation as false and unfounded, we urge the general public to refrain from launching baseless vile attacks and swirling false accusations against innocent persons and institutions. 

“We wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding the values of transparency and accountability in the execution of our mandates as a law enforcement institution,” the statement added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba