Photo: Salimina Drammeh

I Was A Victim Of Baba Jobe, TRRC Witness Says

 

By Ousman A. Marong

The former Director of Operations, and Commanding Officer of the Counter Espionage Unit responsible for Presidential Affairs, Salimina Drammeh, told the TRRC that he was a victim of the late Baba Jobe during his arrest and detention in 2003.

“In the case of Baba Jobe, I was a victim. I was victimized, because if I am left in the service perhaps there would be an information leakage. Baba is a brother and we are from the same place and due to that closeness, the authorities might think if am left in the service and as Direct of Operations many things pass through my hands, and they feel I should stay away,” he explained.

According to him, they have this principle at the NIA called NTK meaning need to know and need not to know.

It could be recall that the late Baba Jobe, was arrested in December 27, 2003 by officials of The Gambia Police Services (GPS).

He and several of his colleagues were arrested by police officers at Sibanor before being escorted under tight security to the Police Training School (PTS) in Yundum, where they were detained.

“Are you suggesting that you were removed because of your relationship with Baba Jobe,” quizzed lead Counsel Essa M. Faal.

“Not only me, but many people were speculating that,” replied the witness.

“You are at the nerve Centre of the NIA activities during this time,” Faal flash-back.

“Correct with an explanation. NIA is a secret agent, and there is this compartmentation in it,” said the witness.

“Would you compartment out the Director of Operation,” asked lead Counsel Faal.

“Yes! The witness replied.

He made these revelations at Dunes Hotel, while testifying before the Commission.

“Mr. witness would it make sense for you to direct activities which you are kept in the dark,” Faal retorted.

“It could be of course is possible. When investigator investigate, and then you are close to the offender we have this principle called NTK,” said the witness.

“This is precisely my point Director of Operations by reason by virtue of your position you need to know,” lead Counsel stressed.

“There is an instant which I will need not to know,” the witness stood his ground.