By: Haruna Kuyateh
Seven individuals were arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Essau for allegedly committing forest offences.
The Regional Forestry Office (RFO) in Kerewan, North Bank Region, dragged the accused persons before the court over illegal felling and transportation of forest products.
The accused: Mass Sowe of Munyagen, Baye Jobe of Kerr Jarga, Almamo Manneh of Mayamba, Tijan Darboe of Bakindick, Demba Bah of Kerr Tubai, Alieu Jallow of Sare Birom, and Tiab Jobe of Pakaw Saloum pleaded guilty to the charges.
All seven were charged under Section 87 of the Forest Act and fined under Penalty Class III. Each was ordered to pay D20,000 and, in default, to serve a prison sentence of one year for illegal cutting and transportation of logs without authorization.
Speaking to The Voice after the court hearing, Pierre R. Colley, Regional Forestry Officer for the North Bank Region, emphasized the office’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal logging. He urged forest scouts and local communities to work collaboratively to protect forest resources from over-exploitation.
Colley disclosed that only three of the accused paid their fines on the spot. The remaining four were temporarily detained at Essau Police Station before being granted bail. According to the RFO, the remaining fines are expected to be settled on Monday.
