By Musa Saho
The Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Justice has announced the appointment of Mr. Abdurrahman Maitama Yusuf as Director of Public Prosecution effective 1st August, 2023, by His Excellency President Adama Barrow.
With his broad experience in criminal prosecution, Mr. Yusuf is expected to lead the Department of Prosecution to initiate, takeover and discontinue criminal cases instituted in the Gambian courts.
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. ABDURRAHMAN MAITAMA YUSUF is a distinguished legal professional whose illustrious journey in the field of law is marked by notable achievements and a profound dedication to justice. Graduating from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, he earned his LL.B. degree in Law in the year 2002. This was followed by his enrollment at the prestigious Nigeria Law School Abuja, where he successfully obtained his BL certificate and was duly called to the Bar in 2004. Displaying an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, Mr. Yusuf returned to Bayero University to attain his Master’s degree (LL.M) in 2009.
With an expansive career spanning over 19 years, Mr. Yusuf has significantly contributed to the field of law, specializing in criminal prosecutions and administration. His journey commenced at the Ministry of Justice Zamfara State, Nigeria, in 2004, where he served as Senior State Counsel. This was but a stepping stone to his subsequent engagement as a Legal Officer 1 at the Federal Ministry of Justice Abuja, Nigeria, in 2005. Demonstrating exceptional legal acumen and dedication, Mr. Yusuf’s progression was noteworthy. He ascended the ranks, assuming pivotal roles such as Senior State Counsel, Principal State Counsel, Assistant Chief State Counsel and Chief State Counsel.
Mr. Yusuf’s remarkable legal expertise transcended borders when he was seconded by the Federal Government of Nigeria to The Gambia Legal Sector in 2008. This appointment, orchestrated through a bilateral agreement, saw him assuming the role of a Technical Assistant. Throughout his tenure, he successfully concluded numerous cases. His contributions extended beyond prosecution to encompass the provision of legal counsel and the mentorship to emerging legal talents within the ministry for over 14 years.
Notably, Mr. Yusuf’s exceptional trajectory led him to the position of Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions at the Attorney General Chambers Banjul, where he presided over the Criminal Division of the Ministry of Justice (Banjul) from 2019.
In August this year, he was appointed to the substantive position of Director of Public Prosecutions by His Excellency, The President of The Republic of The Gambia.