By Dawda M. Jallow
A man, Manjang Cham, appeared in the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on Monday, facing allegations of defrauding 23 individuals of a total of D3 million. The case was presided over by Her Worship Magistrate A. Manneh.
Cham, who appeared without legal representation, is charged with 23 counts under Section 265 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
According to Assistant Commissioner A. Manga, representing the Inspector General of Police, Cham allegedly promised to secure visas for various individuals to attend cultural events abroad, including the Junkanoo Cultural Festival in Canada and other events in Spain.
In one instance, Cham is accused of obtaining D600,000 from Lamin Dibba, claiming he would secure four Canadian visas for Dibba and associates. Other charges involve sums ranging from D11,500 to D526,000, from individuals including Yusupha Sanyang, Ba Lamin Jabbi, Abubacarr Bajo, Momodou Lamin Kemo Manneh, Mariama Kanyi, Fatoumata Manneh, Mamjarra Jammeh, Haddy Comma, and Abdou Badjie.
The prosecution told the court it would call witnesses to substantiate the charges and requested a short adjournment to prepare for this.
Cham pleaded not guilty to all counts, and the plea was formally entered by the magistrate on his behalf.
On bail, Assistant Commissioner Manga left the matter to the court’s discretion, noting that the alleged fraud amounted to D3 million. Magistrate Manneh granted bail for all 23 counts at a total value of D4.2 million, either in cash or property within the Greater Banjul area, and ordered Cham to deposit his identification documents and passport with the court registrar.
The case was adjourned to 22 January 2026 at 12:00 pm, when the prosecution is expected to begin presenting witnesses.
