Momodou “Turo” Darboe, a prominent Gambian businessman and philanthropist, has revealed that he was misled into purchasing decommissioned aircraft linked to the assets of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, claiming that the government deceived him during the transaction.

He explained that he bought three aircraft for $500,000 through a South African business partner who sought his support.

“They advertised the sale of the aircraft, and said a South African had made a bid for them. I decided to place a bid as well. But before doing so, I asked if the aircraft were part of Jammeh’s properties.

“I then went to the bank around 12:30 p.m. and purchased the three aircraft for $500,000. I have all my receipts. When I was buying them, I was told they were government property, not Jammeh’s. They are scrap, and I can tell you they’re still at the airport,” he said.

He added: “I don’t need Jammeh’s property, I don’t want it. I don’t even need government property.” He stated that if the government wants the aircraft, they can retrieve the scrap left at the airport.

However, he accused the government of misleading him into buying the assets, despite his clear inquiries about whether the aircraft belonged to Jammeh.

“I was told by the Ministry of Finance that they were government property. They told me the Janneh Commission was responsible for selling Jammeh’s assets. It was half a million dollars. As the deadline approached, a lady called me and said I was the highest bidder and that I had until 2 p.m. to make the payment.

“Before I bought the aircraft, I asked again if they were Jammeh’s property. But I was told they belonged to the government and that the Janneh Commission was overseeing the sale of Jammeh’s assets,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba