Almameh S. Manga, a serving police prosecutor and lawyer, has rejected allegations circulating on social media over a purported Wave transaction involving businessman Tijan Khan, insisting the payment was for a lawful professional service and not a bribe.

In a statement dated 4 February 2026, Mr Manga said the claims were “false and misleading” and described the transaction as linked to a private legal engagement.

He said the matter began when a friend living in the United Kingdom, Pa Famara Badjie, informed him of a land dispute involving Mr Khan, alleging that payment had been made for a parcel of land but access could not be secured.

Mr Manga said he advised that a formal complaint be filed at the Police Headquarters through Mr Badjie’s sister, Binta Badjie, and that he only facilitated her access to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) “in line with standard procedure”.

He said the complaint was recorded under reference D/REF:15/13/11/2025.

According to the statement, investigators invited Mr Khan, who indicated willingness to settle the dispute either by refunding the money or providing alternative land.

Mr Manga said a site visit was later proposed in Old Yundum, opposite the Green House, and that he attended at his personal expense alongside parties including Mr Khan’s lawyer, Adama Sillah, and others.

He said he later transmitted a lease document to the Ministry of Justice Deeds Department for verification in December 2025, and was informed the lease was registered in the name of Kebba Khan, identified as Mr Khan’s father, and that the land was not free from encumbrances, having been re-entered by the state since 2003.

Mr Manga said he communicated the findings to Mr Badjie and advised that only after proper rectification, including deeds of assignment, tax payments and lawful change of lease details, could a fresh verification be undertaken.

He said he later provided legal drafting services related to an intended deed of assignment, adding that the Wave payment referenced online was for this service and “nothing else”.

Mr Manga also stressed that he was not handling, prosecuting, directing or influencing the case, saying it was under the authority of the Commissioner of Prosecutions, Abdoulie Sanneh.

He said the matter had since been registered at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, and that any delay was linked to the opening of the legal year.

Mr Manga said he welcomed an independent investigation and invited anyone who believed wrongdoing occurred to file a complaint.

“This is my first and final statement on this matter,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba