Five youths, believed to be supporters of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), were Thursday arrested in Panchang village in Central River Region on the day of National Assembly elections.
Cherno Ceesay, Saloum Jammeh, Amulai Janneh Mbaye, Ogo Ceesay and Kebba Manneh were arrested “for erecting an illegal check point between the Gambia and Senegal border”.
According to the police, the youth claimed that they erected the checkpoint “to deter non-Gambian citizens from voting, especially for the NRP candidate”.
“The matter was reported at Njau Police Station and the suspects were arrested and currently helping the police in the investigations,” police PRO, Foday Conta said.
Similarly, Conta said on Thursday in the early hours of the morning, the police also arrested one Muhammed Ceesay and his father, Ebou Ceesay, of Panchang village “in connection to election violence”.
Muhammed and his father were arrested for fighting a police officer and obstructing a police officer in the due execution of his lawful duties, respectively.
“Momodou had a fracas with the police when he refused to join the queue at the polling station,” the police PRO said.
“As he was approached by police officer to join the queue, he was reluctant as a result they had a push and pull and Muhammed Ceesay assaulted the officer causing injuries on him.”
“As the other police officer try to intervene, Ebou Ceesay the father to Muhammed Ceesay interfered thereby obstruct the arrest.”
Later, both father and son were arrested and detained at Njau Police Station and a case file has been opened for the matter to be investigated.