By Isatou Sarr
Five Nigerians appeared before the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charged with cybercrime offenses.
The five accused persons who were later remanded at Mile Two Central Prison, pending their sentencing by Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy, face multiple counts of cybercrime-related offenses.
The accused persons: Henry Obinna Anaya, Amaobi Mama Amalu, Daniel Chukwuebuka Onovo, Otuosorochi Christopher, and Kenneth Uzoma Okereke were represented by Counsel P.K. Mendy, while Deputy Commissioner M. Jarju and Assistant Commissioner M. Camara appeared for the Inspector General of Police.
On the first count, the five were charged with unlawful possession of devices and data, contrary to Sections 168(3) and (4) of the Information and Communication Act, Cap 74:03, Volume 12, Laws of The Gambia 2009. The prosecution alleged that in September 2025, the accused had in their possession nine smartphones, ten laptops, three internet routers, a series of Africell SIM cards, and various computer accessories, with the intent to commit criminal offences.
For the second count, they faced charges of computer-related extortion, fraud, and forgery under Sections 173(2) and (3) of the same Act. The prosecution stated that the devices were intended for creating fake data and impersonating individuals on social media platforms to extort money from victims.
All five accused pleaded “guilty” to the charges after the charge sheet was read in English and explained to them.
According to Assistant Commissioner M. Camara, the suspects were discovered following intelligence received by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) regarding their activities at an apartment in Sinchu Sori. On 23rd September 2025, at approximately 07:00hrs, a joint team from the SIU and the Anti-Crime Unit, led by Inspector Bah, raided the apartment. The officers recovered ten laptops, nine smartphones (including brands such as Oppo, iPhone 12, Samsung, Infinix, Vivo), five basic mobile phones, three internet routers, two internal hard drives, nine computer mice, twelve laptop chargers, and several Africell SIM cards.
Camara disclosed that during questioning, some of the suspects admitted using the devices to conduct scams, including impersonating women on social media to extort money.
He said the recovered devices were sent to the Police Cyber Crime Unit for forensic examination.
The prosecution tendered the items as exhibits, with no objection from the defence.
Magistrate Mendy adjourned the case to Monday, 6th October 2025, at 1:00 pm for sentencing, ordering that the accused remain in custody at Mile Two Central Prison until then.