By Dawda M. Jallow
A police officer yesterday told the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court that CCTV footage and a late-night operation led to the arrest of Sulayman Njie in a case involving D190,000.00.
The case came up before Principal Magistrate Sallah M’bai and heard testimony from Sergeant Bilal Badjie of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) posing as a prosecution witness.
Inspector Cherno Baba Jallow appeared for the Inspector General of Police, while Defence Counsel Badjie represented the accused.
Testifying, Sgt. Badjie said he was on duty at Kanifing Police Station on 11 August 2025 when he reviewed a case file relating to theft. The complainant had submitted a flash drive containing CCTV footage, which investigators later examined.
He told the court that the footage showed two men on a scooter, one of whom was later identified as a suspect named Malang. During questioning, Malang identified Njie as the second individual captured in the video.
“He recognised him from the video and said he had met him before in Barra,” Sgt. Badjie testified, adding that clothing and footwear seen in the footage helped with identification.
The court heard that investigators later received information that Njie had returned to the country after allegedly travelling to Senegal. Acting on a tip-off, officers, including Sgt. Badjie, his superior, and another officer, went to Yarambamba (TAF) with an informant to locate the suspect.
Upon arrival, officers initially received no response despite repeated knocks. The team split up, with some entering the premises by scaling the fence. After identifying themselves, Njie opened the door and later the main gate.
Sgt. Badjie said Njie was informed of the purpose of the visit and consented to a search. “He told us there was D190,000 in his bag and directed an officer to it,” he testified.
Items recovered included a blue pair of shoes and clothing similar to that seen in the CCTV footage. Sgt. Badjie confirmed that Njie was the same individual identified during the investigation.
The case follows a report filed on 22 July 2025 by businessman Govind Singh Tanwar, who alleged that D1 million was stolen from his vehicle along Kairaba Avenue.
The matter has been adjourned to 15 April 2026 for continuation of the hearing.
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