By: Dawda M Jallow
Habibou Ngum has been ordered by the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court to pay D597,040 in compensation to Musa Njie, following his conviction for stealing in Kololi.
Magistrate Mben Faal ruled that, in the event of default, Ngum would serve a custodial term of nine months.
The ruling, delivered under the provisions of Section 35(4) of the Criminal Offences Act 2025, further stipulates that any default in paying both the fine and the compensation will result in custodial sentences to run consecutively. Ngum, a first-time offender, was also sentenced to a fine of D10,000, which, if default, would result in an additional 14-day custodial term.
The case stems from charges filed on October 16, 2024, against Ngum for stealing €9,000 (equivalent to D700,000) from Njie on or about August 28, 2024, in Kololi. Ngum pleaded guilty to the charge.
In his plea for leniency, Ngum explained that he had recently returned from Europe after being deported and had found himself in desperate circumstances. “I was in a situation in which I had no choice, and I took anything that came my way,” he told the court.
He also claimed, “I did not steal; it was a cocaine business,” asking the court for mercy.
Magistrate Faal acknowledged Ngum’s status as a first-time offender, while emphasizing the need for accountability and restitution to the victim. “The custodial terms are structured to ensure justice is served while allowing the convict to settle the compensation,” the magistrate said.
The court’s judgment allows for an appeal by either party against the whole or any part of the decision.