Kanimang Bajo granted bail to a sum of D28 million over alleged D28.9 million fraud from 50-plus victims. The case was called before Principal Krubally of Banjul Magistrates’ Court, Kanimang Bajo, for plea-taking in connection with charges of obtaining money by false pretence.
Commissioner A Sanneh appeared for the Inspector General of Police with support from DSP E Sarr and PC 9099 MB Sonko, whilst counsel ML Ceesay represented the accused.
The accused appeared in person and chose to speak in Mandinka. The clerk read the charge alleging that between 2025 and 2026, at diverse locations in Banjul, Kanimang Bajo, and his company obtained D28,901,640.00 (Twenty-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and One Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty Dalasis) from over 50 individuals by false pretence and with intent to defraud.
According to the particulars of offence, the accused represented to the complainants that they would facilitate their travel to Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the Hajj pilgrimage; representations which were false and known to be false at the time of making.
The offence is contrary to Section 265 of the Criminal Offences Act of 2025. The charge sheet identifies 50 named victims, including Jainaba Touray, Yankuba Manneh, Ba Tapha Njai Tamba, Iida Camara, Alimameh Jaiteh, Baluta Darboe, Lamin F Jammeh, Mamadi Ceesay, Yaya Manjang, Satou Ceesay, Yassin Ceesay, and others.
Following the charge being read and translated into Mandinka in open court, Magistrate Krubally asked Kanimang Bajo how he would plead. The accused responded: “I plead not guilty to the charge.” Magistrate Krubally then entered a formal plea of not guilty, noting the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Magistrate Krubally directed the prosecution to lead evidence and prove the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
Commissioner Sanneh, on behalf of the prosecution, applied for an adjournment to commence the presentation of evidence on the next adjourned date. Commissioner Sanneh did not oppose the grant of bail to the accused, though the commissioner drew the court’s attention to the substantial amount involved.
Counsel ML Ceesay thereupon applied for bail on behalf of the accused, relying on Section 19 of the 1997 Constitution (right to personal liberty), Section 24 (presumption of innocence), and Section 123 and Section 127 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 2025. Ceesay argued that Section 127 renders bail mandatory in respect of offences carrying sentences not exceeding three years, whilst Section 265 itself carries a sentence of not less than three years.
Having heard submissions from both parties and noting the prosecution’s non-opposition, Magistrate Krubally proceeded to grant bail. Magistrate Krubally exercised his discretion under Section 19 of the Constitution, Section 123 and Section 127 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 2025, holding that the offence is a bailable one and that bail should be exercised “statutorily, judicially and judiciously.”
The accused was admitted to bail in the sum of D28,000,000.00 (Twenty-eight Million Dalasis). Kanimang Bajo is required to provide two responsible Gambian sureties, each earning fewer than D100,000 per month and engaged in business or employment.
Each surety must provide a title deed valued at D28,000,000, together with their contact numbers, reliable physical addresses, and valid original identification documents (ID card or passport).
The sureties must swear affidavits of means and depose that they will ensure the accused’s appearance at all subsequent court proceedings and that they will forfeit the bail bond should he abscond or fail to appear.
The case adjourned to 2 September 2026 for hearing at 11 am onward.
