The Banjul Magistrates’ Court has heard dramatic testimony from two Gambians who claimed they each paid D600,000 to Ejabah Travel and Tours for Hajj packages but never made the pilgrimage.
The case involves Kanimang Bajo, proprietor of Ejabah Travel and Tours, who is facing charges of alleged Hajj fraud.
Testimony of Rabiatou Sanneh:
Rabiatou Sanneh, an MRC employee from Brikama, told the court she paid D600,000 in February 2026 to secure a place for her father, Bassy Sanneh, to perform Hajj.
She said she was referred to Bajo by Gambia International Airlines after being told that Hajj slots were full. Bajo, who claimed to be in Saudi Arabia, instructed her to deposit the money into Ejabah’s Ajib Bank account.
Sanneh testified that despite submitting her father’s passport and photographs, joining a WhatsApp group for updates, and preparing clothing, food, and even a cow for the pilgrimage, her father never traveled.
“This caused my father to develop high blood pressure. We were disappointed because they kept assuring us that he would go,” she told the court.
Sanneh said Bajo later offered either a refund or continuation of arrangements, but she has yet to receive her money.
Testimony of Mudu Jallow:
Farmer Mudu Jallow from Sareh Kally also testified that he paid D600,000 in installments to Ejabah Travel and Tours. He said he received three receipts and was added to a WhatsApp group where updates were shared.
Jallow recounted attending a preparatory meeting in Serekunda where pilgrims were taught how to perform Hajj and assured, they would travel the following week. However, the departure was repeatedly postponed.
He said Bajo later informed them they would travel with Guinea-Bissau passports, but the journey never materialized. “The accused told me that there are no visas,” Jallow testified, adding that he neither traveled nor received a refund.
Defence Response: Defence counsel M.L. Ceesay argued that Ejabah Travel and Tours was a registered company and that Bajo made efforts to secure visas and passports, including attempts through Guinea-Bissau.
The defence maintained that while the arrangements ultimately failed, Bajo had taken steps to facilitate the pilgrims’ travel.
Exhibits Presented
– Payment receipts confirming transactions.
– Passports, including a Guinea passport.
– WhatsApp group communications.
Case Continues:
The matter remains before the Banjul Magistrates’ Court, with further hearings expected. The outcome is likely to set a precedent for how similar disputes involving Hajj fraud and travel agencies are handled in The Gambia
