By Dawda M Jallow
Two men yesterday appeared before The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court charged with rape involving a minor.
Mr Kajula Jawara and Saikou Sowe appeared before Presiding Magistrate F.J Camara in connection to the case. Inspector Cherno Baba Jallow and Cadet Inspector L. Mendy announced their appearance on behalf of the Inspector General Of Police, while the accused persons did not have any legal representation.
The prosecution charged the accused persons with three counts of offence: Firstly, with conspiracy contrary to commit felony; rape contrary to section 3(2)(d) punishable under section 4 (1)(a)(i) of the sexual and rape contrary to section 3(2)(d) punishable under section 4(1)(a)(i) of the Sexual Offences Act 2013.
According to the particulars of offence, on count one; Kajula Jawara and Saikou Sowe on 18th of July 2026, at Pipeline in Kanifing Municipality conspired amongst themselves to commit a felony therein with rape thereby committed and offence.
Similarly, on count two, the two accused persons on 18th July 2026, at Pipeline in Kanifing Municipality unlawfully had a carnal knowledge with a 15-year-old girl name (withheld), thereby committed an offence.
The third count stated that Saikou Sowe on 19th of July 2026, at Serre Kunda and diverse places in the Kanifing Municipality, unlawfully had a carnal knowledge with a 15-year-old girl name (withheld), thereby committed an offence.
When the charges were read and interpreted to them in a local language, they both pleaded “not guilty” denying any wrongdoing level against them on all the counts.
At that juncture, Inspector Cherno Baba Jallow applied for an adjournment of proceeding to secure the attendance of first prosecution witness. “We have very strong objections regarding granting bail to the second accused person,” Jallow said, adding, “the offence in which the accused stand for is rape and under that provision if they are found guilty the maximum sentence is 10 years imprisonment.” The prosecution officer further stated that there was evidence that if granted bail, the second accused would not appear in court in subsequent sitting.
Jallow further reminded the court that the offence committed was a serious offence adding that the victim was still taking medication due to the seriousness of act.
Deciding on the issue of granting bail, the presiding magistrate ruled that the first accused could be bailed in the sum of D100,000 or alternatively to provide two Gambian sureties who shall deposit valid National ID cards or passports with their verification numbers and swear into affidavits of means in event the accused absconded or jumped bail the sureties should be held responsible.
For the second accused person, the magistrate ruled that he should be remanded until the next adjourned date. The matter was then adjourned to 1st October 2026 for continuation.