Many Gambians were left stunned after learning that celebrity music promoter General Barry walked out of court on bail, despite being at the centre of the highly publicised case surrounding the death of his alleged girlfriend, Tairu Barry.
According to sources close to the investigation, prosecutors opted to charge General Barry with a single count of rash or negligent act causing death, contrary to Section 189 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, rather than pursuing a murder charge.
Tairu, a married mother of several children, was widely known to be romantically involved with General Barry, and the pair were often seen together in public. What happened on that fateful morning in June 2025 quickly became one of the country’s most debated mysteries.
The two were reportedly riding on a motorbike when Tairu suddenly fell off. She was rushed to the hospital but sadly did not survive. Almost immediately, rumours spread across social media, with some users speculating that General Barry pushed her.
The situation escalated when General Barry allegedly disappeared soon afterward. Police launched a manhunt as public speculation intensified. For months, his whereabouts were unknown until September 8, when officers acted on a tip-off and arrested him.
During questioning at Bundung Police Station, General Barry maintained his innocence. He claimed he never touched Tairu and that they had been arguing after she accused him of cheating. According to his account, she fell off the bike on her own. With the help of a traffic officer, he said he rushed her to Bundung Hospital, where she was treated and discharged.
However, minutes later, she reportedly began feeling dizzy and collapsed.
When asked why he fled to Guinea-Conakry, Barry told investigators he panicked because “everyone online was calling me a killer.” He insisted he loved Tairu and would never hurt her.
The public was shocked once more when the case reached court: no murder charge, only negligence. Barry was granted bail, and he later posted an emotional apology online expressing sorrow over the tragedy.
And just like that, General Barry is out, while the nation is left wondering.