Kanimang Bajo, proprietor of Ejabah Travel Agency, has denied allegations of fraud involving D28 million in an alleged Hajj scam after appearing before the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.

Bajo appeared before Principal Magistrate Krubally after the prosecution withdrew the case at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on jurisdictional grounds, with the court told that the transactions and alleged offences took place within the jurisdiction of Banjul.

When the charges were read and explained to him, Bajo told the court that he understood the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

His plea means the prosecution will now be required to present evidence to establish the allegations against him.

Defence counsel ML Ceesay subsequently applied for bail on behalf of Bajo, relying on provisions of the 1997 Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Act.

Counsel cited Section 24 of the Constitution, which provides for the presumption of innocence, arguing that Bajo should be treated as innocent unless proven guilty by a court.

The defence also relied on Section 123 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which provides for bail, and Section 127, which counsel argued makes bail mandatory for offences punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment.

The bail application was opposed by the prosecution.

The Inspector General of Police and Commissioner of Prosecution, Commissioner A. Sanneh, urged the court to reject the application, drawing attention to the substantial amount of money involved in the case.

The prosecution also requested an adjournment to allow it to bring its witnesses before the court.

Principal Magistrate Krubally, however, granted Bajo bail, ruling that the accused was entitled to bail while the case proceeds.

The court proposed bail in the sum of D28 million, requiring two responsible Gambian sureties who must be employed and earn not less than D100,000 per month.

The sureties must also possess valid identification documents and be present during subsequent court proceedings.

Alternatively, the court indicated that land documents for property valued at D28 million could be provided as security for the bail.

The court adjourned the matter to Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 11:00am, when the prosecution is expected to present its witnesses.

By Adama Makasuba