By Isatou Sarr
Ismaila Kone, also known as Ous, has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in connection with the death of Isatou Elizabeth Mendy, as the Banjul Magistrates’ Court transferred the case to the High Court for trial.
Kone appeared before Principal Magistrate M. Krubally after the Inspector General of Police charged him with one count of murder under Section 155 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
According to the prosecution, Kone unlawfully caused the death of Mendy with malice aforethought on 17 August 2026 at Lovell Square Street in Banjul.
The charge was read to Kone in English and interpreted into Wolof. When asked to enter a plea, he denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Krubally formally recorded the plea and reminded the court that Kone is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The magistrate ruled that the case falls outside the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court and ordered its transfer to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court under Section 72(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025.
Kone was also ordered to remain in custody at Mile Two Central Prison pending proceedings before the High Court, in accordance with Section 72(2)(a) of the Act.
The Registrar of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court was directed to forward the complete case record and charge sheet to the High Court for further proceedings.
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