Omar Badjie died from an acute brain injury caused by stress, physical exertion and an assault by police officers during a pursuit, a coroner has found.

In its findings, the Judiciary of The Gambia stated that “Omar Badjie died due to acute brain injury resulting from physical exertion, stress and assault occasioned by the police officers in the course of their pursuit of the deceased.”

The inquest relates to an incident in Mandinari village in the West Coast Region of The Gambia on 26 September 2025 during a law enforcement operation.

Principal Magistrate and Coroner Anna O. Mendy heard testimony from 12 witnesses, reviewed medical evidence and visited the scene before reaching her verdict.

She recommended that the case be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider possible criminal charges against the officers involved.

The Office of the Chief Justice said Hassan B. Jallow reviewed the proceedings and was satisfied with both the findings and the conduct of the inquest.

The report has now been forwarded to the Attorney General and the DPP for further action.

The ruling directly attributes Badjie’s death to the circumstances of the police pursuit, raising renewed concerns about use of force and accountability.

By Adama Makasuba