Hajj Fraud Case: PW4 Says He Paid Bajo D600,000 for Hajj But Couldn't Travel

Kanimang Bajo - Accused © Askanwi Media

By Fatou Konteh,

In our previous story, we reported on PW3 Rabiatou Sanneh’s testimony that she paid D600,000 for her father’s Hajj journey, which ultimately did not take place.

The fourth prosecution witness, Mudu Jallow of Sareh Kally in the Upper River Region, has told the Banjul Magistrates’ Court that he also paid D600,000 for Hajj arrangements through Kanimang Bajo.

Jallow testified that he travelled to the Kombo area between 23rd and 26th February 2026, with the intention of travelling for Hajj.

He said he initially went to Gambia International Airlines (GIA), where he was informed that the company was full and was directed to Ejaba Travel.

According to Jallow, he met Kanimang Bajo and two women at the office and informed them that he wanted to travel for Hajj.

He said Bajo told him there was space and that the total cost was D600,000.

Jallow testified that he initially paid D300,000 and was issued a receipt. He later returned with another D200,000 and subsequently paid a further D100,000, bringing his total payment to D600,000.

He said Bajo later instructed him to provide passport-size photographs and told him that Jainaba would provide updates.

Jallow also testified that he attended an orientation at Imam Fatty’s Arabic School, where prospective pilgrims were trained on how to perform Hajj.

He said he returned home and informed his family, who became happy about his planned journey.

However, the proposed departure date was postponed, first from Monday to Friday, before the journey eventually failed.

Jallow told the court that he later heard that Bajo had been arrested.

He also testified that Bajo informed prospective pilgrims that they would travel using Guinea-Bissau passports but would depart from The Gambia.

Jallow said that after submitting his Gambian passport to Jainaba, she sent him a copy of a Guinea-Bissau passport.

He said he never physically received the passport, travelled to Mecca, or received his money back.

Jallow described the failed journey as sorrowful and difficult, saying he had already informed people that he would be travelling and felt ashamed.

He further told the court that the situation caused him severe stress and that he even considered travelling through the irregular migration route commonly known as the “Backway.”

During cross-examination, Jallow confirmed that prospective pilgrims were oriented on how to perform Hajj.

He also confirmed that there was a group chat where members were informed that only 53 visas had been issued and that his name was among those whose visas were pending.

Jallow agreed that applicants were later informed that Bajo had been detained at Kairaba Police Station and that the 53 issued visas had been cancelled.

When the defence counsel asked whether he considered Ejaba a credible company because GIA had directed him there, Jallow said that was what he expected but not what he ultimately found.

He acknowledged that he was aware Bajo had taken people for Hajj in 2025.

However, he said he was unaware of alleged efforts by Bajo to send money to the Guinea-Bissau Hajj Commission or send a delegation to facilitate the pilgrims’ travel.

When defence counsel suggested that the accused had done what was necessary to facilitate their travel but that the process had ultimately been frustrated, Jallow disagreed.

He said Bajo had not informed them of this.

Jallow said he instead registered under the refund option after being informed that there were two files at Bajo’s office, one for refunds and another for those wishing to continue with the process.