Wally Mahmoud Hakim, who was arrested in 2004 on Yahya Jammeh’s orders, for “killing” respected journalist Deyda Hydara said on Tuesday that the former Gambian president must have his day in the ECOWAS Court.
In December of 2004, operatives from the notorious National Intelligence Agency (NIA) arrested Mr. Hakim at his home with some weapons. His arrest, which came a few days after Hydara’s assassination by members of Jammeh’s hit-squad widely referred to as Jungulars.
The government made sure it gave Mr. Hakim’s arrest prominence on the national television, radio and the Jammeh-owned Daily Observer. His weapons were also displayed on both the State broadcaster and local newspapers, giving the impression that one of them was used in killing Deyda Hydara on 13 November 2004.
“Jammeh arrested me and seized my American passport. He also seized my guns, but he must have his day in the ECOWAS Court,” Hakim said.
The Lebanese businessman was reportedly freed from detention following the intercession of the US embassy in Banjul. He later fled the country, leaving behind established businesses some of which were ruined due to his absence from The Gambia.
