By: Dawda M. Jallow
A late-night disturbance in Kotu has landed one woman behind bars while another accused person gets bail after the two were arraigned before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on charges of assault and threatening violence.
Awa Sillah and Ismaila Jammeh appeared before Magistrate Awa Manneh, with police prosecutor Sergeant 7240 E.M. Jallow representing the Inspector General of Police. Both accused persons stood without legal representation.
Sillah is facing a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 196 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025.
Jammeh, on the other hand, is charged with threatening violence under Section 77(a) of the same Act.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on March 31, 2026, in Kotu, within the Kanifing Municipality. It is alleged that Sillah struck Acha Cheriff Hydara in the face with a bottle, causing injury. In a separate count, Jammeh is accused of threatening to assault Momodou Salieu Balde with intent to intimidate or annoy.
When the charges were read in court, Sillah admitted to the offence, telling the court she “did it,” while Jammeh denied the allegation. The court accordingly entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.
The prosecution relied on a statement from the complainant, which detailed how tensions had been brewing in the neighbourhood, involving a group that frequently gathered near the family compound.
On the night in question, a confrontation reportedly escalated into a physical altercation involving several individuals.
The statement indicated that during the chaos, bottles were smashed and sticks used, with attempts by bystanders, including the complainant’s husband, to restore calm. It was during the fracas that Sillah allegedly attacked the complainant, leaving her with facial injuries that required treatment at the Kanifing General Hospital.
Following arguments from the prosecution, Magistrate Manneh ordered that Sillah be remanded at Mile II Central Prison pending further proceedings.
Jammeh was granted bail in the sum of D25,000 with one Gambian surety, who must provide valid identification and swear to an affidavit of means.
The case has been adjourned to April 9, 2026, for continuation.
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