By: Isatou Sarr
Lamin Manneh, an adult Gambian from Brikama Jalamba, was arraigned on August 28, 2025, before Magistrate I.O. Njie on a single count of rape, contrary to Section 3(13) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2013.
According to the particulars of the offence, Manneh is accused of willfully and unlawfully having carnal knowledge of a three-year-old girl at Brikama Jalamba, West Coast Region, on or about August 25, 2025. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
During the initial hearing, Sergeant J. Preirra, representing the Inspector General of Police, applied for an adjournment to allow the first prosecution witness to testify. The court granted the application and adjourned the matter.
When the case resumed on September 11, 2025, Magistrate Njie ruled that the charge was beyond the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court. “I have looked into the charge sheet. The age of the victim is three years. This court lacks jurisdiction. I hereby strike out this matter for it to be transferred to the High Court or Attorney General’s Chambers,” the magistrate stated.
The accused remains before the judicial process as the case awaits proper transfer.