By: Isatou Sarr
One Fatou Secka was on Thursday, March 12, 2026, arraigned before Principal Magistrate M. Krubally of Banjul Magistrates’Court on a charge of obtaining money by false pretence.
Secka is charged with one count contrary to Section 265 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
When the case was called, Inspector Kebbeh announced his appearance on behalf of the Inspector General of Police. The accused was present in court but was not represented by counsel.
According to the particulars of the offence, Secka is alleged to have on or about January 12, 2026, in Banjul, within the jurisdiction of the court, obtained the sum of D360,000 from one Omar Bah under false pretences.
The prosecution alleged that the accused claimed she would secure several vehicles for the complainant from a GRA auction sale, including two Nissan Rogues, one Toyota RAV4, two Range Rovers and one Toyota van. Prosecutors further alleged that the representation was false and made with intent to defraud.
The charge was read to the accused in English in open court by the court clerk.
She confirmed that she understood the charge and pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, Magistrate Krubally reminded the prosecution that the burden rests on them to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt in accordance with the law.
The prosecution informed the court that it did not object to the granting of bail to the accused and also indicated that its first witness was present in court.
In his ruling on bail, Magistrate Krubally noted that the offence was bailable and that the prosecution had not opposed bail.
He therefore admitted the accused to bail in the sum of D360,000.
The court further ordered that the accused provide one responsible Gambian surety who must be engaged in genuine employment or business with a minimum monthly income of D10,000.
The surety is also required to present a valid national identity card or passport, provide accurate contact details and residential address, and swear an affidavit of means confirming their ability to ensure the accused’s appearance in court. The surety must also undertake to forfeit the bail bond to the State should the accused abscond or fail to appear.
The court initially indicated that the prosecution’s first witness could take the oath and begin testimony.
However, the accused informed the court that she had a lawyer who was not present and requested that the hearing be conducted in the presence of her counsel.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Krubally agreed and adjourned the matter to allow the accused to appear with her lawyer.
The case was adjourned to April 2, 2026, for the commencement of the hearing.