A lady has appeared before the Banjul Magistrate’s Court on charges of defrauding a businessman by making a false promise that she could obtain cars from a government auction.
Principal Magistrate M. Krubally arraigned Fatou Secka on a single count of obtaining money by false pretence in violation of Section 265 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
The prosecution claims that on or around January 12, 2026, in Banjul, Ms. Secka received D360,000 from Omar Bah, a businessman, after claiming she could buy multiple cars for him at a Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) auction.
Ms. Secka reportedly informed Mr. Bah that she could obtain a fleet comprising two Nissan Rogues, one Toyota RAV4, two Range Rovers, and a Toyota van, according to the charge sheet. The prosecution argues that the accused knew the representation was fraudulent when she made it.
Ms. Secka, who was not represented by an attorney, acknowledged understanding the accusation and entered a not guilty plea when the indictment was read in court.
Inspector Kebbeh, representing the Inspector General of Police, told the court that the prosecution was ready to call its first witness right now. However, after the accused objected to the start of testimony, the session was momentarily postponed.
Ms. Secka addressed the court, saying, “Your Worship, I wish to object to the commencement of the hearing.” “I have legal representation, but they are not present now. I only wanted to enter a plea today, and I want my attorney to be present for the rest of the proceedings.
The prosecution stated that it will defer to the court’s judgment. The motion was granted by Magistrate Krubally, who described his duty as a “impartial umpire” and noted that the court must guarantee the accused obtains a fair hearing.
The prosecution did not object to bail despite the alleged sum. Ms. Secka was given D360,000 in bail by the magistrate.
A Gambian surety with a legitimate job or business and a monthly income of at least D10,000 must be provided by the accused as part of the bail requirements. In addition to submitting an affidavit of means guaranteeing Ms. Secka’s appearance in court and agreeing to forfeit the bond in the event that she fails to appear, the surety must show a valid passport or national identity card.
The prosecution is scheduled to start presenting its first witness on April 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
