The High Court in Banjul has assumed jurisdiction over the murder trial of university youth leader Ba Yunusa Mbye, as the accused, Momodou Bah has appeared before the Special Criminal Division to face a charge of murder.

Bah’s appearance marks a key procedural turning point in the case, following a decision by the Magistrates’ Court which declined to proceed, citing lack of jurisdiction over the offence.

Principal Magistrate Sallah Mbye ruled last Monday that the charge, which carries a penalty of death or life imprisonment, falls exclusively within the mandate of the High Court, in line with directives governing serious criminal matters.

The accused had earlier been remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison pending his transfer to the superior court.

Court officials confirmed that Bah was escorted to the High Court under security as proceedings formally shifted from preliminary hearings to full trial management.

The prosecution alleges that on 15 June 2026 in Fajara, Bah attacked Ba Yunusa Mbye with a bottle to the neck, inflicting injuries that led to his death. The charge has been filed under Section 155 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.

With the High Court now seized of the matter, the case moves into its trial phase, where both prosecution and defence will present evidence before a judge.

Legal observers say the transfer underscores the seriousness of the charge and sets the stage for a closely watched criminal trial, given the profile of the deceased as a university youth leader.

Security around the court complex was visibly reinforced as the accused arrived, reflecting heightened public and institutional attention on the proceedings.

By Adama Makasuba