The former Director of Public Prosecution of the Gambia Richard Chenge has denied allegations by Silaba Samateh that he received a bribe of over one million dalasis from him in exchange for bail.

Mr Chenge described the allegations as a “pack of lies” and smear campaign against what he called his unquestionable and untainted legacy as a former prosecutor in The Gambia. 

His statement followed Samateh’s claims at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) on Tuesday that he allegedly bribed Mr Chenge over one million dalasis to facilitate his absconding from justice during the former regime.

“Was he in my custody? Can DPP take somebody to custody? He was in the custody of the NIA under Numo Kujabi and they released him to go. How can I release somebody, who is not in my custody?  I have no control over the NIA,” Chenge informed the Freedom newspaper.

Samateh was held on drug trafficking and related charges. His sister Jankeh was arrested when he absconded bail and ran to Senegal. The former DPP was expelled from The Gambia and declared persona non grata and ordered to leave the country within 72 hours.

Chenge, a Nigerian national, was appointed as Director of Public Prosecutions in 2009.

By: Sarjo Samateh