By: Dawda M. Jallow
The Brusubi Magistrates’ Court has convicted and jailed 19 Sierra Leonean nationals after they pleaded guilty to charges of forcible detainer and criminal trespass, police sources revealed.
In his ruling, Senior Magistrate Fofana sentenced each of the convicts to two years’ imprisonment for forcible detainer and one year’s imprisonment for criminal trespass. The court also ordered that the convicts be deported to Sierra Leone upon completion of their prison sentences.
The convicts were tried on matters arising from the unlawful occupation of a compound in Brusubi and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Buteh Sawaneh represented the Inspector General of Police as the prosecution officer.
The accused were charged with forcible detainer contrary to Section 74 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, entering a dwelling house with intent to commit a felony contrary to Section 257(2), and criminal trespass contrary to Section 262(a) of the Act.
The convicted persons were: Alasan Ceesay, Sulayman Koroma, Alpha Kallay, Muhammed A. Koroma, Muhammed Ceesay, Samuel Koroma, Alasan Koroma, Edrissa Ceesay, Muhammed Koroma, Francis Camara, Saikou Touray, Foday Kabia, Alagie Mansaray, Alagie Mustapha Fofana, Micheal Konjoh, Joshua Samura, Abubacarr Kamara, Morlai Camara and Abubacarr Fofana.
According to the prosecution, the accused were found on 28 July 2026 in possession of a compound in Brusubi, West Coast Region, belonging to Naffie Ndow without lawful authority and in circumstances likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The prosecution further alleged that they unlawfully entered the dwelling house with intent to commit a felony and trespass on the property with intent to commit an offence or to intimidate, insult or annoy the owner.
When the charges were read and explained in a language they understood, all 19 accused persons pleaded guilty.
Senior Magistrate Fofana then sentenced each of the convicts to two years’ imprisonment for forcible detainer and one year’s imprisonment for criminal trespass. The court also ordered that the convicts be deported to Sierra Leone upon completion of their prison sentences.
In a statement, the Gambia Police Force said the convictions underscored its commitment to protecting property rights, maintaining public order and ensuring compliance with the laws of The Gambia.
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