By Dawda M. Jallow
A Guinean national, Momodou Bah, has been remanded at Mile II Central Prison after pleading guilty to housebreaking and theft charges before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court.
Bah appeared before Principal Magistrate Sallah M’Bai on Monday and admitted both offences. The case was adjourned to Sept. 22 for mitigation and sentencing.
Cadet Inspector L. Mendy represented the Inspector General of Police, while Bah appeared without legal representation.
Bah is facing two counts under the Criminal Offences Act 2025. The first count charges him with housebreaking, contrary to Section 256(b), while the second relates to the general punishment for theft under Section 226.
According to the particulars of the first count, Bah allegedly broke into the house of Emmanuel Tobi at Pipeline, in the Kanifing Municipality, on Sept. 8, 2026, with the intention of committing felony, namely theft.
The prosecution alleged that Bah stole two tablets valued at D42,320, a Tecno mobile phone valued at D15,000 and a Calculus Hot valued at D6,000, all belonging to Tobi. The total value of the items was put at D63,320.
The charges were read and explained to Bah in a local language, after which he confirmed that he understood them and pleaded guilty to both counts.
The court subsequently asked the prosecution to outline the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences.
Cadet Inspector Mendy told the court that Tobi left his residence in Pipeline on Sept. 8 to go to work but later returned home after realizing that he had forgotten his mobile phone.
Upon arrival, Tobi allegedly found the compound gate open and, after entering the house, saw Bah holding two tablets.
The prosecution said Tobi raised an alarm when Bah attempted to escape, prompting neighbours to intervene and apprehend him.
The stolen items were allegedly recovered from Bah before he was taken to Kairaba Police Station.
Mendy said Bah was cautioned and subsequently charged with the offences.
Following the proceedings, Magistrate M’Bai ordered that Bah be remanded at Mile II Central Prison pending mitigation and sentencing.
The case was adjourned to Sept. 22, when Bah is expected to make his plea in mitigation before sentencing.