By Dawda M. Jallow
Three men who admitted conspiring to steal a goat at London Corner in the Kanifing Municipality have been convicted by the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court and remanded at Mile II Central Prison pending sentencing.
Ousainou Babou, Amadou Wurry Jallow and Saika Jallow were convicted on Tuesday before Magistrate Awa M. Manneh after pleading guilty to two counts – conspiracy to commit a felony and stealing.
Appearing on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alpha Badjie charged the trio with conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to Section 341 and stealing contrary to Section 226, punishable under Section 229 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons on 9 February 2026 at London Corner conspired among themselves to steal and, on the same day and place, unlawfully took a goat valued at D6,000. The owner of the animal remains unknown.
When the charges were read and explained to them, all three accused persons pleaded guilty. One of the accused admitted that they had agreed among themselves to commit the offence, prompting the court to record pleas of guilty on both counts.
Presenting the facts, the prosecution told the court that the first accused, Ousainou Babou, and the second accused discussed obtaining something for themselves and later involved the third accused. The trio allegedly hired a three-wheeled vehicle, commonly known as a “keke”, and proceeded to London Corner where they carried out the theft.
The court heard that a witness, identified as Edrisa Fatajo, who was parked nearby waiting for a business partner, observed the incident. Suspecting criminal activity and fearing for his safety, he remained inside his vehicle while recording photographs and videos of the scene using his mobile phone.
As the accused attempted to flee with the goat, the witness pursued them. Realising they were being followed, they reportedly released the animal in order to speed up their escape.
Mr Fatajo later reported the matter to officers of the Anti-Crime Unit at Kotu, and the first accused was subsequently identified through the footage provided.
After the facts were read in court, the accused persons admitted them without objection.
Magistrate Manneh convicted the trio as charged and adjourned the case to Tuesday, 17 February, for sentencing. The accused persons were ordered to remain in custody at Mile II Central Prison pending that date.
