By Dawda M. Jallow
A man has appeared before the Kanifing Magistrate Court facing charges of raping a teenage girl in Old Jeshwang. Muhammed Sillah was arraigned yesterday before Principal Magistrate Sallah M’bai following his arrest.
The charges, presented by ACP Manga on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, allege that Sillah sexually assaulted a girl aged between 16 and 18 years. The incident reportedly occurred between June and July 2024 within the Kanifing Municipality.
According to the prosecution, Sillah “unlawfully had carnal knowledge of [name withheld]” in violation of the Sexual Offences Act of 2013.
Sillah pleaded not guilty, claiming the girl was his girlfriend and asserting that he was not the only person she had relations with.
Prosecutor Manga requested an adjournment to secure witnesses for the next hearing, but did not oppose bail. The court granted bail of D200,000, or two Gambian sureties each to deposit D100,000 with valid identification and SIM-verified certificates. Sureties must be over 30 years old and ensure the defendant’s attendance; failure to comply may lead to forfeiture of the bond.
The case has been adjourned to Monday, January 13, 2026, for the testimony of the first prosecution witness
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