By: Isatou Sarr
A woman accused of obtaining money by false pretence has been remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison after failing to meet her bail conditions set by the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, Fatou Jaiteh appeared on Friday, 13 March 2026 before Principal Magistrate M. Krubally at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court where she was arraigned on one count of obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 265 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
When the case was called, DSP E. Sarr, assisted by PC 9099 S. Sonko, announced their appearance for the Inspector General of Police. The accused was present in court but was not represented by a lawyer.
According to the particulars of the offence, the prosecution alleged that in 2026 at Banjul and other places within The Gambia, Fatou Jaiteh, with intent to defraud, obtained a total sum of D5,763,925 from several individuals, namely Surwa Jammeh, Binta Wadda, Binta Jadama, Ansumana Tamba and Sheriffo Jatta.
The prosecution further alleged that the accused collected the money under the pretext that she would supply the complainants with food items, a representation the state claimed she knew to be false at the time.
The charge was read in English and interpreted to the accused in Mandinka in open court. She confirmed that she understood the charge and pleaded not guilty.
DSP Sarr informed the court that the prosecution did not object to the accused being granted bail but requested an adjournment of the matter.
In his ruling, Magistrate Krubally noted that the offence was bailable and that the prosecution had raised no objection to bail.
The court subsequently granted the accused bail in the sum of D5,763,925 with two Gambian sureties in like sum.
The sureties must be persons of means who are either employed or engaged in business and earn not less than D10,000 per month.
The court further ordered that the sureties must present proof of employment or business to the office of the registrar, produce valid national identification cards or passports, provide their contact details and residential addresses, and swear to an affidavit of means confirming their ability to meet the bail bond if the accused fails to appear in court.
They are also required to undertake that they will ensure the accused attends all subsequent court proceedings and will forfeit the bail sum should she abscond.
The case was adjourned to March 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. for the hearing of the prosecution’s first witnes
