The High Court in Banjul, presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, today heard a heated cross-examination in the ongoing civil matter between GACH Global Trading, Kaddijah Kebbeh and Saikou Drammeh.
The Plaintiff is claiming the sum of D58,961,150, alleging fraudulent acquisition and unlawful retention of petroleum-related funds. Additional claims include $221,000 for disputed petroleum product payments, $1,600 paid to the 1st Defendant Kaddijah Kebbeh as commission for a 2021 transaction, and D1 million in legal and administrative costs, with interest accruing until full settlement.
The Plaintiff, Abubakary Jawawa, CEO of GACH Global, was cross-examined by Defence Counsel B.S. Conteh for the 2nd Defendant Saikou Drammeh. The session began with a procedural objection from Plaintiff’s Counsel I. Drammeh, after Defence sought to have the witness read from an uncertified document. Counsel K. Jallow for the 1st Defendant associated herself with the objection. Justice Jaiteh sustained it, ordering proper procedures be followed.
Upon formal request, the Court permitted playback of a video recording of previous proceedings, where Jawawa was heard stating: “After I saw the video of the money on social media, I said it might be my money.” Counsel Conteh asked the witness to confirm that statement.
Jawawa explained he contacted one Abdoulie Dibba to verify. Counsel Conteh insisted on a direct confirmation without elaboration. Objections followed from both Plaintiff and 1st Defendant’s counsel, arguing that a witness cannot be forced to give a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Justice Jaiteh reminded all parties that the full response forms part of the record.
Counsel Conteh pressed further, stating: “I put it to you that you are lying to this Honourable Court.” Justice Jaiteh cautioned Counsel about his language and reminded the Bar to maintain decorum.
The cross-examination shifted to the Plaintiff’s business dealings. Jawawa confirmed he is CEO of Gach Global and has operated since 1994, including running a tomato factory. He affirmed making payments through banks. Defence then produced Exhibit P1, a contract between Gach and Gampetroleum, which the Plaintiff identified and acknowledged as signed by him. On the mode of payment, the witness stated that the agreement referred to a transfer from Benefitancy Bank to GTBank, but said the payments in question were unrelated to the disputed funds.
Tension heightened when Counsel Conteh asked: “Are you in a romantic relationship with the 1st Defendant?” Jawawa replied: “I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” The question drew immediate objections from Counsel Drammeh and Counsel Jallow.
Counsel Jallow argued that the romantic allegation was not pleaded and was thus inadmissible, calling it unprofessional. Justice Jaiteh ruled in her favour, stating: “This is a civil case, not a criminal trial. The evidence must relate strictly to what is pleaded.”
Despite the ruling, Counsel Conteh insisted: “I’m putting it to you that you’re in love with the 1st Defendant and that’s why you gave her 58 million dalasis in cash to impress her.” Justice Jaiteh allowed the witness to respond. Jawawa said: “No, that’s not true.”
Conteh then turned to a previous criminal matter involving Saikou Drammeh and Lamin Gassama, where he questioned Jawawa’s role. Jawawa confirmed he testified in the case. Defence pointed out that the accused were acquitted without testifying. Jawawa replied, “That’s your opinion.” Defence further stated: “If the 2nd Defendant took your money, he would have been convicted.” Jawawa responded: “That’s left to the court.”
The cross-examination concluded with a question on civil third-party proceedings initiated by the Plaintiff’s legal team involving Saikou Drammeh. Jawawa said his counsel handled that matter.
With time expired, Justice Jaiteh adjourned the case to 12th, 29th, and 30th October 2025 for continuation. Proceedings were marked by repeated objections, judicial cautions, and ongoing contention over both legal and personal lines of questioning.
