Swiss state prosecutors have announced that they are close to concluding their lengthy investigation into crimes against humanity allegedly committed by Ousman Sonko, a former interior minister in the Jammeh regime. 

Sonko has been in custody since his arrest on January 26, 2017 in Switzerland, where he had applied for asylum after being sacked as The Gambia’s interior minister.

He was arrested after a complaint by Geneva-based NGO Trial International, which believes he played a role in serious human rights violations, such as torture, particularly in places of detention.

Sonko had been one of Jammeh’s top aides, serving in his presidential guard before heading the interior ministry.

He was fired in September 2016 after having held the post for 10 years.

Sonko has been repeatedly remanded in custody throughout the investigation by Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) state prosecutors.

On November 1 last year, his detention was extended until January 25.

“We are about to close the preliminary procedure. We cannot provide any further information at this time,” OAG spokeswoman Claudia Schon told AFP.

At the end of the investigation, prosecutors can issue an indictment or close the case. Several alleged victims have joined the case as civil parties.

“As always, the presumption of innocence applies,” said Schon.