By: Dawda M. Jallow
A man accused of obtaining five (5) million Dalasis by false pretence in an alleged land transaction has been remanded by the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, Tijan Khan, Thursday appeared before Magistrate Awa Manneh on charges of obtaining money by false pretence and fraud on the sale or mortgage of property, contrary to Sections 265 and 270 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025 Laws of The Gambia.
ASP Barrow and Inspector Cherno Baba Jallow appeared on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, while Counsel Adama Sillah represented the accused person.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offence occurred on 28 May 2025 at Kairaba Avenue in the Kanifing Municipality. Court records stated that the accused allegedly obtained D5 million from one Aydin Kiziltan under the pretext of selling a 20 by 30 plot of land situated at Bijilo.
Prosecutors further alleged that the accused knowingly made false representations regarding ownership of the said land, despite allegedly knowing that the property did not exist.
When the charges were read to him, Tijan Khan pleaded not guilty to both counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution applied for an adjournment to secure witnesses and informed the court that although the offences were bailable, the amount involved was substantial.
The prosecution further argued that the accused was a habitual offender who had earlier been granted police bail but failed to comply with its conditions. ASP Barrow submitted that there was a likelihood the accused could abscond or commit further offences if granted bail.
Defence Counsel Adama Sillah opposed the application, arguing that referring to the accused as a habitual offender was unfair. Counsel relied on constitutional provisions relating to personal liberty and urged the court to grant bail on flexible terms, noting that the accused is a family man with a wife and three children, especially as “Tobaski” (Eid) approaches.
In her ruling, Magistrate Manneh stated that having considered submissions from both sides, the accused person should be remanded in custody pending the outcome of the matter.