The Sheriff of the High Court, Omar Jabang, has come under scrutiny from the National Assembly’s Special Select Committee over the sale and disposal of assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh.

Appearing before the committee at the National Assembly, Mr Jabang outlined the legal and procedural steps undertaken in the disposal of the confiscated assets, which were seized following allegations of massive corruption and abuse of office during Jammeh’s 22-year rule.

He told lawmakers that individuals occupying the properties were issued a seven-day notice before any sale was initiated. Following that, public notices were published in newspapers to inform potential buyers.

“Items or properties were sold to the highest bidder, and all payments were made through bank transactions,” he explained. “Once the payment is confirmed, the buyer comes to collect the item.”

Committee members raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the process.

He said all payments were deposited into accounts at Trust Bank Limited.

However, he was asked to provide documentation of all transactions, including payment receipts and valuation reports used to determine property values.

The committee emphasized the need for transparency, directing Mr Jabang to submit the records to support his testimony.

“We are here to ensure public accountability, and that every butut from the asset sales is properly accounted for,” one committee member stated.

Mr Jabang, who recounted his professional rise from the University of The Gambia to his current judicial position, responded to questions confidently but was reminded that verbal assurances alone would not suffice.

The investigation follows recommendations made by the Janneh Commission, which probed Jammeh’s financial activities and called for the recovery of misappropriated state resources.

The Select Committee is now working to verify whether procedures outlined in the Commission’s report were properly implemented.

Mr Jabang is expected to submit the required documentation for further review.

By Adama Makasuba