By Dawda M. Jallow
A man has appeared before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court accused of defrauding 13 people of $4,200 under false pretences.
Yusupha Sarjo was arraigned before Magistrate Binta Sowe on a charge of obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 265 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
Prosecuting on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Sergeant Amadou Baldeh told the court that the alleged offence occurred on 15 December 2025 at Dippakunda in Kanifing Municipality.
According to the prosecution, Sarjo, with intent to defraud, allegedly obtained $4,200 — equivalent to D300,540 — from one Babacarr Tunkara under the pretext of facilitating Saudi Arabian and Spanish visas for a group of people.
The visas were reportedly intended for Omar Tunkara, Aboubacarr Tunkara, Ababacarr Ceesay, Bintou Drammeh, Hagie Tunkara, Yahya Jaibou, Omar Kaira, Muhammed Bachilly, Jafara Drammeh, Malang Saidy, Moses Jawara, Ali Sano Camara, and Hajie Bakary Conteh.
Sergeant Baldeh added that Sarjo was aware the representation was false when he collected the money, thereby committing the alleged offence.
When the charge was read to him in a local language, Sarjo said he understood the allegation but denied wrongdoing, stating that he had never assisted anyone in securing visas.
The prosecution requested an adjournment to secure witnesses for the next hearing. Bail was not opposed but noted that the case involved a substantial sum of money.
Magistrate Sowe granted Sarjo bail of D315,000 with three Gambian sureties, who are required to submit valid national identity cards or passports and swear affidavits of means.
The case was adjourned to 8 April 2026 at 10:00 a.m. for the hearing of the prosecution’s witnesses.
