By: Dawda M. Jallow
Two men accused of obtaining money by false pretence were yesterday arraigned before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court in separate cases involving an alleged D68.69 million Hajj visa scam and an alleged D88,000 “backway” travel fraud.
The cases were presided over by Magistrate Awa Manneh.
In the first case, Kanimang Bajo was charged with obtaining money by false pretence contrary to Section 265 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
Inspector Cherno Baba Jallow, appearing for the prosecution, told the court that the accused allegedly obtained D68,690,000 from one Alagie Janneh on the pretext of providing visas and flight tickets to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for Hajj pilgrimage.
The alleged offence reportedly occurred on 29 November 2025 at Kairaba Avenue and other places within the Kanifing Municipality.
The accused denied the charge after it was read and interpreted to him in a language he understood.
The prosecution applied for an adjournment to secure witnesses and urged the court to remand the accused, citing the huge amount involved and ongoing investigations.
However, Magistrate Manneh granted bail and ordered the accused to provide two title deeds valued at D70 million within the Greater Banjul Area and deposit his identification documents with the court registrar pending the next hearing.
The case was adjourned to 15 June 2026.
In a separate matter, Ensa Dampha was also arraigned before the court on a charge of obtaining goods by false pretence.
Chief Inspector A. Bojang alleged that the accused obtained D88,000 from one Kaddy Touray after promising to facilitate her younger brother’s travel to Europe through the “backway.”
The prosecution said the alleged incident occurred in August 2025 at Manjai-Kunda in the Kanifing Municipality.
The accused denied the charge.
Magistrate Manneh granted him bail in the sum of D100,000 with two Gambian sureties required to provide valid identification documents and verified contact details.
The matter was adjourned to 17 June 2026 for hearing.Top of Form
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