By Dawda M. Jallow
A Nigerien man, identified as Suwaibou Ceesay, was yesterday arraigned before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on a single count of assault.
The case was presided over by Magistrate Awa Manneh.
Cadet Sainabou Manjang and Sergeant 4195 Amadou Baldeh appeared in court on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), while the accused appeared without legal representation.
According to the charge sheet, Ceesay allegedly stabbed Bubacarr Gaye in his right hand-palm with a knife and struck him with a cement block on the face, causing actual bodily harm to both his hand and face. The incident reportedly occurred on 2 December 2025 at Westfield, New Jeshwang, in the Kanifing Municipal Council.
The charge was brought under Section 196 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025. The particulars were read to Ceesay, who claimed to understand them but denied the allegations.
During proceedings, Sergeant Baldeh informed the court that the victim was present and ready to testify. In his testimony, Gaye told the court that he had gone to the accused’s workplace to deliver a blanket to a friend when an argument ensued. He said Ceesay allegedly attempted to stab him, and in the ensuing struggle, he was injured by the knife and was later hit on the face with a cement block.
Gaye further stated that he lost consciousness after the attack and was later assisted by an elderly man who took him to the police station. He received medical treatment and was issued a medical statement recommending further care.
When asked if he had prior disputes with the accused, Gaye said: “Yes, months ago the accused asked me for D100 to buy alcohol, which I refused. Since then, we have been avoiding each other.”
The prosecution applied to tender a white singlet T-shirt, a knife with a black handle, and a cement block as evidence. The items were admitted and marked as exhibits BE1, BE2, and BE3, respectively.
The victim told the court that the injuries affected his ability to work as a driver, as one hand was impaired.
During cross-examination, Ceesay denied the allegations, claiming that Gaye threw a stone at him first. Gaye refuted this, stating he was unconscious at the time he was hit with the cement block.
Sergeant Baldeh opposed bail for the accused, citing the severity of the offense and the fact that Ceesay is a non-citizen.
Magistrate Awa Manneh, however, granted bail to the tune of D50,000 with two Gambian sureties, who are required to deposit their valid national identity cards and swear affidavits of means.