Girl Stands Accused of Abandoning One-Month-Old Baby

By Fatoumatta Baldeh &Fatoumatta j Camara

The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court Tuesday granted bail toone Binta John, 21-year-old girl who is accused of abandoning her one-month-old baby and thereby exposing her to danger.  

Appearing before Magistrate Mben Faal, the accused pleaded guilty when the charge sheet was read out to her.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Faal noted that, the facts were not convincing enough and she could not take any action against Binta unless she hears from the witness.

According to the particulars of the alleged offense, BintaJohn on or about 18th day of October 2023, at Kololiwillfully neglected and abandoned her one-month-old childwith Haddy Njie Who is 31-year-old.

The police later got involved leading to the arrest of Binta.
” I give my one-month-old baby to Haddy Njie because I cannot take care of the baby,” she told the court.

Police Prosecutor Keita stated that Haddy accepted the baby without any proper documentation or reporting the matter to the police station. 

Prosecutor Keita also pointed out that he had no objection for the bail to be granted if the court so wished to give her.

Consequently, Mben Faal granted Binta John bail to the tune of D50, 000.00 as well as a responsible Gambian surety.