Murder Suspect Buba Drammeh Appears in Court

Buba Drammeh, who had been on the run since his escape from Mile 2 Central Prisons in 2020, has appeared in court this week in connection with the fatal shooting of Buba Jammeh, a case tied to the long-standing Gunjur-Berending land dispute.

Murder suspect Buba Drammeh in white being escorted out of court. Photo credit: Kex Sanneh

Drammeh was arrested on April 9, 2025, following a joint security operation between Gambian and Senegalese authorities. He appeared unrepresented before Justice Omar Cham at the High Court, where he informed the court that he had been unable to access legal assistance due to being held in solitary confinement since his capture.

In response, Justice Cham ordered prison authorities to ensure Drammeh is given the opportunity to contact his family or a lawyer. Should those efforts fail, the National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA) will step in to provide him with legal representation.

Family of murdered Buba Jammeh at the High Court in Banjul where murder suspect Buba Drammeh appeared. Photo credit: Kex Sanneh

The case has reignited public interest in both prison security and the simmering tensions surrounding land ownership disputes in the Gunjur-Berending area. The matter has been adjourned and is scheduled to resume on June 19, 2025.