By Sering Mass Jallow

The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday remanded Ansumana Gassama at Mile II Central Prison after he was charged with an alleged unnatural offence involving a minor.

Principal Magistrate Sallah M’bai ordered the accused remanded pending mitigation and sentencing after the prosecution proved its case.

The prosecution, led by Inspector C.B. Jallow, assisted by L. Mendy and Corporal A. Badjie, appearing on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, charged Gassama with an offence contrary to Section 122(1)(a) of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.

According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly engaged in a sexual act with a male minor on 23 July 2026 at Bakau in the Kanifing Municipality.

Presenting the facts of the case, Inspector Jallow alleged that the accused took the minor to his house, instructed him to undress and sexually assaulted him.

The prosecution told the court that the minor later fled the house and reported the incident to his parents, who subsequently informed the police.

According to the prosecution, the child was initially taken to Bakau Police Station before being referred to Kanifing General Hospital for treatment after allegedly sustaining injuries.

The court heard that, during police questioning, the accused admitted engaging in the act but claimed he had acted “without intent.”

The prosecution further informed the court that the victim received medical treatment because of injuries allegedly sustained during the incident.

Among the exhibits tendered before the court were seven photographs allegedly taken at the scene, a medical report and the accused’s voluntary cautionary statement. The accused did not object to the admission of the exhibits.

In her ruling, Magistrate M’bai said she had considered the evidence presented and the accused’s statement. She held that the prosecution had established the essential elements of the offence at this stage of the proceedings and that the accused’s claim that he acted “without intent” did not constitute a legal defence.

The magistrate ordered that the accused be remanded at Mile II Central Prison pending mitigation and sentencing.

The case was adjourned to 18 August 2026 for continuation of the proceedings.