He is widely alleged to be one of the junglers behind the most gruesome killings ever committed in the history of The Gambia.

But Captain Modou Jarju, who fled the country after former President Jammeh’s shocking election defeat, was described by his neighbours in Brikama Kabafita as a nice guy, down-to-earth, liked by everyone around him.

Some of them told What’s On-Gambia that they were shocked he became a jungler and would participate in the killing of dozens of Gambians.

“There was nothing unassuming about him. He is a fun-loving person who likes spending time with his family,” said one of his former neighbours who now live in England.

Popularly known in the army as Rambo, Captain Jarju is linked to the murder of prominent journalist, Deyda Hydara and political activist, Solo Sandeng.

After Jammeh was defeated in the last presidential election, Rambo fled the country leaving behind his four wives and multiple children.

His former neighbour added: “He was taking care of many people. His parents both died and he became the head of the family. He built very nice houses in their compound and I think that’s why some relatives came to live with them.”

The neighbour also revealed that Rambo owns a house along the Coastal Road, where his first wife, Fatou Sonko lives with their children.

Another neighbour, who claimed they were childhood friends, said the jungler was a keen footballer and was well-known among Brikama nawettan enthusiasts.

“In Kabafita, his popular name is Olu. I don’t think many people know his real name. He was a very good footballer and contributed in promoting football in the kabilo.”

What’s On-Gambiawas unable to establish how Rambo joined the army, but his neighbours revealed he wasn’t bright in school and later dropped out.