By Sering Mass Jallow
The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court has adjourned the trial of Kandimang Bajo, who is facing an alleged D68.69 million scam case, after the prosecution requested more time to gather additional witnesses.
Magistrate A. Manneh on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, granted the prosecution’s application for adjournment, despite objections from the defence team, which argued that the case had already suffered prolonged delays.
Inspector CB Jallow and L. Mendy appeared for the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and charged Bajo with obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 265 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
According to the particulars of the offence, the prosecution alleged that on or about 25 November 2025, at Kairaba and other locations within the Kanifing Municipality, Bajo obtained D68,690,000 from individuals under the false representation that he would provide visas and flight tickets for Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Jallow, applied for an adjournment, telling the court that the state needed additional time to secure more witnesses to support its case.
However, defence counsels Muhammed Lamin Ceesay and F.K. Conteh objected to the application, arguing that the accused was entitled to a speedy trial and that the matter had already been delayed for too long.
The defence lawyers said the prosecution had been given sufficient time, from 15 June to 13 July, to prepare and mobilise its witnesses, describing the request for further delay as unjustified.
They urged the court to dismiss the case for lack of diligent prosecution and called for the accused to be released from custody pending further action by the state.
In her ruling, Magistrate Manneh granted the prosecution’s request, stating that allowing additional time to gather witnesses was necessary to ensure a fair and transparent trial and was in the interest of justice.
The case has been adjourned until Tuesday, 21 July 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
The court further ordered that Kandimang Bajo remain remanded at Mile II Central Prison until the next hearing date.
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