By: Isatou Sarr
Sulayman Baldeh was arraigned on Wednesday before Magistrate K.B. Sambou of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on a charge of malicious injury to property, contrary to Section 290 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
Baldeh appeared without legal representation, while Sgt. 7232 E. Fofana represented the Inspector General of Police.
According to the charge sheet, Baldeh allegedly damaged several items on or about Sept. 4, 2026, at Jambanjelly Village in Kombo South, West Coast Region.
The items allegedly damaged include electrical wires valued at D105,000, a back door valued at D3,000, electrical sockets valued at D5,000, a white ceiling valued at D10,000, a fix box valued at D10,000, fillas valued at D6,400, electrical contacts valued at D4,400 and water borehole wires valued at D1,000.
The total value of the alleged damage was put at D144,800.
When the charge was read to Baldeh in English and interpreted into Mandinka, which he understood, he told the court that he had stolen the electrical wires but denied stealing the back door.
Following his response, the magistrate entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.
The prosecution requested an adjournment to allow it to call its witnesses and did not object to bail.
Magistrate Sambou subsequently granted Baldeh bail in the sum of D150,000, with one Gambian surety.
The surety is required to deposit a valid Gambian National Identity Card or passport with the court’s Registrar and provide evidence of means.
The case was adjourned to Oct. 21, 2026, for the hearing of the first prosecution witness.