Gambian police have described Ansu Jarju as a notorious serial robber, linked to multiple high-profile thefts and escapes from custody.

Speaking at a press conference in Banjul, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Muctarr Touray confirmed that Jarju has been involved in a series of robberies over the years, repeatedly evading law enforcement.

According to the police, Jarju was the prime suspect in a 2024 robbery at a Guaranty Trust Bank branch in Bakau. After his arrest and remand, he jumped bail and disappeared.

“The suspect escaped into thin air and was nowhere to be found,” he said.

Further investigations linked him to a September 2022 robbery in Senegambia, where a businessman entrusted him with a large sum of money to pay workers. Instead, he allegedly fled with the cash, abandoning a car where his national identity card was recovered.

After months of pursuit, Jarju has now been captured and is in police custody, the IGP confirmed.

He also noted that Jarju had close ties with Ousainou Diabete, an Ivorian national, with whom he had previously been remanded at Mile Two Central Prison.

He said investigations are ongoing, and they expect to charge Jarju in court soon.

By Adama Makasuba