President Yahya Jammeh, yesterday, relieved Baboucarr Jatta, Secretary of State for Interior, of his cabinet appointment with effect from November 22, the Daily Observer was informed.

According to a press release, the President acted under Section 71(4)(b) of the Constitution. Furthermore, the President accordingly appointed Ousman Sonko, Inspector General of Police, the new Secretary of State for Interior, under Sections 71(1) and 71(3) of the Constitution.

President Jammeh then appointed Musa Mboob, Director General of the Gambia Immigration Department as the new Inspector General of Police.

Meanwhile, the Office of the President has confirmed the dismissal and arrest of Messrs Lamin Sanneh, former Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Works, Construction and Infrastructure, and Karamo Jaiteh, former Managing Director of the Gambia Roads Authority, for “committing economic sabotage and crimes”.

According to reports, investigations revealed that a safe, containing D44 9,400 was found “concealed under the executive desk of Mr Karamo Jaiteh. The sum of D27,420, was also found in a steel cabinet in Mr Jaiteh’s Office”.

“It is amazing that the hidden safe was not part of the inventory of the office and cash found in both the safe and the steel cabinet were also not reflected in the handing over notes, which Mr jaiteh presented to his successor,” the reports added.

According to reports, “vigorous” investigations into the saga has led to the arrest of seven officials, identified as Mr Kebba Faye, Sarane Hydara, Ebou Secka, Ansumana Fadera, Lamin Keita, Ourani Barry, and Momodou Senghore.