D68.6M Hajj Case Moves to Banjul as Bajo Pleads Not Guilty

Kanimang Boja © Askanwi Media

By Fatoumata Konteh

The alleged D68.6 million Hajj fraud case involving Kanimang Bajo, CEO of Ejabah Travelling and Tours, has taken a new turn after the charges were withdrawn at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court and subsequently refiled before the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.

Bajo appeared before Magistrate Krubally on Monday, 17th August 2026, where he pleaded not guilty to a charge of obtaining money by false pretence under Section 265 of the Criminal Procedure Act. However, the amount contained in the new charge sheet is D28,901,646, significantly lower than the approximately D68.6 million alleged by the victims.

The case stems from allegations by more than 100 prospective Hajj pilgrims who claim they paid money to Ejabah Travelling and Tours for Hajj arrangements but were unable to travel as expected. The matter was initially before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, where the prosecution faced difficulties presenting its first witness.

At the last sitting, Prosecutor Abdoulie Sanneh told the court that the prosecution had been unable to produce its first witness, Omar Ceesay, despite efforts to persuade him to testify. Sanneh also informed the court that the investigation had an international component, with police officers sent to Guinea-Bissau as part of the inquiry.

Bajo’s lawyer, Lamin Ceesay, objected to another adjournment and raised concerns over alleged harassment, insults, and threats directed at members of the defence team.

The court subsequently granted what it described as a final adjournment, fixing the matter for 13th August 2026. However, when the case returned to court on that date, the prosecution instead applied to withdraw the charges.

Magistrate A. Manneh granted the application under Section 78(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2015, and ordered Bajo’s immediate release unless there was another lawful basis for keeping him in custody.

The court clarified that the withdrawal did not amount to an acquittal and did not prevent subsequent proceedings against Bajo based on the same facts. Following the withdrawal, the prosecution indicated that the matter would be pursued before the Banjul Magistrates’ Court because of questions surrounding territorial jurisdiction.

Prosecutor Sanneh later explained to journalists and the alleged victims that Banjul was considered the appropriate jurisdiction because payments connected to the alleged scam were made there. The victims were also urged to submit their receipts and other payment records to the Fraud Squad in Banjul to assist the investigation.

D28.9M charge versus D68.6M allegation

The issue of the amount involved remained central when the case moved to the Banjul Magistrates’ Court. At Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution’s charge sheet stated that the amount forming the basis of the criminal charge was D28,901,646. This represents a difference of approximately D39.7 million from the D68.6 million alleged by the victims.

One of the victims with his receipt © Askanwi Media

Following the hearing, however, victims’ spokesperson Adama Camara maintained that the broader amount remains approximately D68 million. Camara explained that not all alleged victims had submitted their receipts and other payment documents to the authorities.

He further alleged that some payments were made through other companies linked to or associated with Ejabah Travelling and Tours. The victims believe that once all receipts and payment records are collected and examined, the amount involved could increase.

The discrepancy between the amount currently stated in the charge sheet and the amount alleged by the victims is therefore likely to remain a key issue as investigations continue.

Bajo granted D28M bail

With the new case now before the Banjul Magistrates’ Court, the court also considered the question of Bajo’s bail. Defence counsel Lamin Ceesay applied for bail, relying on Sections 10 and 24 of the 1997 Constitution and Sections 123 and 127 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Ceesay argued that the circumstances of Bajo’s case were different from matters covered under Sections 125 and 126 and maintained that his client was entitled to bail. Although Prosecutor A. Sanneh did not object to Bajo being granted bail, he urged the court to consider the substantial amount involved.

Sanneh also requested time to prepare the facts and evidence that will form part of the prosecution’s case. After considering the submissions, Magistrate Krubally granted Bajo bail in the sum of D28 million, to be secured by two Gambian sureties.

The court ordered that the sureties must either be government employees earning a monthly salary of at least D100,000 each or provide property valued at D28 million as security. The court further warned that if Bajo absconds, the sureties would be held responsible in accordance with the bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to 2nd September 2026 at 11:00 a.m.