By: Isatou Sarr
The case involving the alleged unlawful circumcision of a one-month-old girl (name withheld), which reportedly led to her death in Welingara Village, Kombo North, West Coast Region, has been transferred to the High Court.
The matter was first mentioned on 13th August 2025 before Magistrate K.B. Sambou of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court. Three women appeared before the court facing two charges. The first accused, Fatou Camara, was charged with one count of “prohibition of female circumcision,” while the second and third accused, Oumie Sawaneh and Hawa Conteh, were charged with “aiding and abetting female circumcision.” All three pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution applied for Fatou Camara’s case to be transferred to the High Court, arguing that if found guilty, the charge attracts a possible life sentence. The court granted the application. The cases of Oumie Sawaneh and Hawa Conteh were also transferred to the High Court for convenience, with the prosecution noting that the matters are linked and should be heard together.
The two co-accused, Sawaneh and Conteh, were granted bail in the sum of D50,000 with one Gambian surety each. Their bail conditions remain in place following the transfer.
Inspector Ebou Ceesay appeared for the Inspector General of Police, while Counsel F. Conteh represented the second and third accused respectively.
During proceedings, Inspector Ceesay told the court: “Your Worship, I want this matter to be transferred to the High Court for convenience, and since one case is already before the High Court, both will be consolidated.”
Counsel F. Conteh raised no objection to the application, which the magistrate granted.
The case now awaits hearing at the High Court, where the prosecution is expected to proceed with its first witness.
