By Dawda M. Jallow
Musa Sey, an alleged burglar, was yesterday arraigned before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on two counts of burglary and theft.
Representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sub-Inspector E. Fatty and Cadet M. Colley charged Sey under Section 256 (burglary) and Section 266 (general punishment for theft) of the Criminal Offences Act, Revised Laws of The Gambia, 2025.
According to the charge sheet, Sey allegedly broke into the home of Marie Saine in Bakau Katchikally, within the Kanifing Municipal Council, in November 2025, intending to commit a felony. On the second count, he is accused of stealing a Samsung tablet valued at D90,000, an electric kettle worth (D3,000, a school bag costing D600), two caps (D200 each), and D2,100 in cash, totalling to D96,100.
Upon hearing the charges, Sey pleaded “not guilty,” stating: “I didn’t even go there, let alone steal.”
During proceedings, Sub-Inspector Fatty requested an adjournment to secure the first prosecution witness and opposed bail, arguing that Sey is a habitual offender and lives near the victim. Fatty warned that granting bail could pose a threat to the victim, who resided alone, and urged the court to remand the accused to prevent any contact.
Principal Magistrate Sallah M’Bai denied the prosecution’s request, emphasizing the constitutional presumption of innocence and the right of an accused to bail unless the offence is non-bailable or sufficient grounds are presented. She granted bail in the sum of D200,000, or two responsible adults aged 30 or above, of good character and employed as civil servants, can stand as sureties. The sureties must submit valid national IDs or passports, and a SIM card-verified affidavit of means valued at D100,000 each. Should the accused abscond, the sureties will be required to explain their failure to the court.
