SOURCE What’s On Gambia
VERDICT: True
FINDINGS:
Following the claim posted by what’s on Gambia’s social media platform that “opposition leader Musa Yalli Bachilly was arrested for alleged human trafficking,” sparked different emotions and conversations both online and offline.
Following our findings, the said claim is proven to be accurate, and is confirmed through the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Momodou Musa Sisawo; that on Thursday, November 2, 2023, the opposition leader “Musa Yalli Batchilly was arrested, interrogated and charged with obtaining goods by false pretence and conspiracy to commit a felony.” But was released after refunding the money involved to the complainant who goes by the name Ebrima Bojang of New Yundum, West Coast Region. His release was effected on Friday, November 3 2023, at Tourism Security Unit (TSU) under the Gambia Police Force.
The research further revealed that “Musa Batchally, one of the suspects, different from Musa Yali Batchilly, took $7,600 from the complainant under false pretence of arranging the complainant’s son’s travel to Nicaragua and then to the United States of America through the Mexican border.” Both Musa Batchilly and Musa Yali Batchilly are opposition leaders in The Gambia.
CONCLUSION:
The news in circulation about the arrest of Musa Yalli Batchilly is true but was later released after refunding the complainant’s money. Although another Musa Batchilly was arrested and released the following day.
