By Dawda Jallow

Magistrate Kanjura B. Sambou of the Brikama Magistrate’s Court has warned Alkalolu (Town/Village heads) in Kombo South against issuing land transfer documents for plots allegedly sold to multiple buyers.

Magistrate Sambou issued the warning during the mention of a civil suit involving a land dispute at Sanyang, cautioning that Alkalolu could face serious legal consequences for their role in facilitating multiple transfers of the same piece of land.

The magistrate reportedly warned that it was becoming increasingly common for a single plot of land to be sold to several individuals, with each buyer subsequently presenting an Alkalo transfer document as proof of ownership.

He reminded Alkalolu of their legal responsibilities when issuing land transfers and warned that those found repeatedly facilitating such transactions could face imprisonment at Mile 2.

The warning was issued when the court clerk called the case for mention and read the statement and particulars of claim to the defendant who was given an opportunity to respond.

The case involves Bubacarr Sankary, a businessman from Busumbala, as plaintiff, and Balamin Jabang, the Alkalo of Sanyang, as defendant.

According to the statement of claim, Sankary is seeking repossession of a 50-metre by 100-metre plot of land situated in Sanyang, which he said he purchased from Jabang in May 2026 for D700,000.

The plaintiff is also claiming D150,000 in damages for breach of contract, as well as D25,000 in costs and administrative fees.

The particulars of claim state that Sankary entered into an agreement with the defendant and made two payments towards the purchase price. He initially paid D200,000, followed by D150,000, bringing the total amount paid to D350,000 and leaving an outstanding balance of D350,000.

The parties allegedly agreed that the remaining balance would be paid after one month.

However, the plaintiff told the court that when he returned after the agreed period to settle the outstanding amount, he found a third party developing the same property.

The claims were read in English and interpreted to the defendant in Mandinka.

Jabang accepted liability but requested additional time to explore an out-of-court settlement.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to September 9, 2026, to allow the parties to pursue an amicable settlement.