Posted by By: Ousman Sonko
The Police in Banjul have re-opened an investigation file into the issue of one Lamin Yaffa, who was alleged to have impregnated an under-age girl a few years ago. According to sources the file was put aside when the police could not find Lamin, but now the police have decided to re-open an investigation into the matter once more again. Our Police sources said a few months ago Lamin’s mother was invited by the Police about the whereabouts of her son. She was detained for a few hours and was released due to her old age.
Sources within the Police confided to this medium that a new panel has been setup to look into all cold cases and a special investigative officers will be assigned to track down all the suspects involved in the cases.
Sources have indicated that the Police were informed that Lamin is around and that was the reason they re-opened the file again. Family members have indicated that they have seen some people believed to be plain cloth officers monitoring Lamin’s home on several occasions.
It could be recalled that some year ago, Lamin Yaffa was alleged to have impregnated an under-age Christian girl. His father being a prominent Muslim Imam, this created a big problem between Lamin and his family. It is also a crime under Gambian law to impregnate an under-age girl. Lamin will likely face prosecution if he is arrested.
However, Lamin’s whereabouts is not yet known even though the Police said they have information that he is in the country.
The situation involving Lamin has caused a great deal of concern, in addition to cultural and religious differences cause conflict and lead to tension in Gambia.
This is particularly true in a country like the Gambia where there is a deep cultural division between religions and ethnic groups. The circumstances surrounding the death of Elizabeth are still mucky, and Lamin is accused of causing her death. The events leading up to her death are still under investigation, but the accusation against Lamin has caused him to be the subject of a countrywide manhunt with a sentence and prosecution that no one would want to face.
This case has caused tension between the two families to escalate leading to the arrest of Lamin on several occasions.