Ex-Lands Ministry PS says ex-land minister did not ‘abuse office’

Mr Sanyang, who is the first prosecution witness in the ongoing criminal trial involving the former minister and six other accused persons, gave his testimony before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh at the High Court on Tuesday. The accused include Sheriff Abba Sanyang, who faces charges of abuse of office contrary to Section 90(1) of the Criminal Code, and giving false information to a public servant contrary to Section 114(a). The other accused persons Cherno Serending Sabally, Kalilu Sanyang, Bakary Gomez, Bakary Sanneh, and Lamin Sabally are charged with criminal trespass under Section 285A, as well as additional counts of fraud-related offences. Prosecutors alleged that the accused falsely claimed that the Kassa Kunda Village Development Committee (VDC) owned forfeited land and, with intent to defraud, obtained significant sums of money from companies. According to the indictment, funds reportedly include D12 million from Himfirm3 Company Ltd, D800,000 from Soninkara Real Estate, and D300,000 from Buildmatic Construction Ltd. During examination-in-chief by State Counsel A. Gibba, Mr Sanyang explained that Village Development Committees may only sell land when it is lawfully entrusted to them by individuals, families, or communities.  He stated that VDCs are not landowners by default and cannot dispose of land unless such authority is properly granted. He further noted that he was not aware whether the Kassa Kunda VDC had been authorised to sell land on behalf of the community in relation to the forfeited properties. Under cross-examination by Counsel K. Sanyang, the witness confirmed that Kassa Kunda was among several communities that benefited from lands previously owned by the former president and later forfeited to the state. He said the state became custodian of the lands before reallocating 40 per cent back to the community, following procedures similar to those applied in other areas. Mr Sanyang also confirmed that a letter dated 27 December 2022 from the Department of Lands and Surveys to the Alkalo of Kassa Kunda, communicating the return of 40 per cent of the forfeited land, was genuine. The document, signed by Director of Lands and Surveys Kebba Ceesay, was tendered in evidence and admitted as Exhibit D1 without objection. Defending the contents of the letter, the witness stated that it contained no false information and represented a legitimate communication between the ministry and the community. When asked directly whether the former minister had abused his office in relation to the land allocation, Mr Sanyang told the court that, to his knowledge, the minister had not abused his office and had not misled anyone regarding the allocation.  He described the allocation process as genuine. However, he clarified that the communication was addressed to the Alkalo on behalf of landowners, who could either be community members or families within the village. Following this testimony the witness was discharged and the matter was adjourned until 14th July 2026 for the second prosecution witness.