Ex-jungler Sanna Manjang has been charged with three counts of murder linked to incidents in 2005 and 2006.

The case was swiftly transferred to the High Court after prosecutors argued it fell outside the jurisdiction of the lower court.

Manjang, once part of the feared paramilitary unit associated with abuses under former president Yahya Jammeh, appeared without legal representation.

The state was represented by Commissioner Sanneh and a team of senior police officers.

When Principal Magistrate Sallah Mbye asked what language he understood, Manjang initially refused to cooperate, saying he would not speak to the court.

The magistrate clarified that she was only asking about language comprehension, after which Manjang said he understood English.

The prosecution read three charges under section 187 of the Criminal Code.

The state alleges that Manjang shot and killed journalist Deyda Hydara in Kanifing in 2005. He is also accused of fatally shooting Ndongo Mboob in Kanilai in 2006.

The third charge concerns the alleged killing of Haruna Jammeh, also in Kanilai in 2006.

Commissioner Sanneh informed the court that murder is a capital offence and cannot be tried by a magistrate.

He applied for the case to be sent to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court under section 72 of the Criminal Offences Act and asked that the accused be remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison until his appearance before the High Court.

Principal Magistrate Mbye granted the application, ruling that the Magistrates’ Court had no jurisdiction to try murder cases.

She ordered that the case be transferred and that Manjang remain in custody.

Armed military police escorted Manjang from the courthouse, highlighting the high-profile nature of the proceedings.

By Adama Makasuba