Magistrate Conteh of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of Basirou Sarr, the man accused of a violent attempted robbery at a Manjai Kunda forex bureau, pending his appearance before the High Court.
The accused, Basirou Sarr, appeared in court following his alleged attack on a bureau in Manjie Kunda on 10th February, 2026. Police prosecutors allege that Basirou Sarr used violence in an attempt to rob Halimatou Barry, a staff member at the AMM Forex Bureau in Manjai Kunda.
During the proceedings, Police Prosecutor Cadet Inspector S. Manjang filed an application to transfer the matter to the High Court. Cadet Inspector Manjang argued that the Magistrates’ Court lacks the jurisdiction (legal authority) to preside over the case capital offence due to the severity of the punishment.
“Your worship, the Magistrates’ Court does not have the jurisdiction to try capital offences that carry a penalty of life imprisonment or death,” Inspector Manjang stated.
Cadet Inspector Manjang moved under Section 72 Sub-section (1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025, requesting that the case be moved to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court for a full hearing and determination.
The accused is charged with attempted Robbery with Violence contrary to Section 249 (2)(a)(C), Criminal Offences Act 2025. Prosecution alleged that Basiru Sarr on the 10th February 2026, at Manjai-Kunda with violence attempted to rob Halimatou Barry, a staff member of AMM Forex Bureau.
According to the prosecution, the alleged victim (Halimatou Barry) is admitted at the hospital receiving treatment for the injuries from the alleged attack
In her ruling, Magistrate Conteh granted the prosecution’s application. Invoking Section 228 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025, the Magistrate Conteh ordered that Basirou Sarr be kept in custody at the Mile 2 Central Prison.
“The accused will remain in remand until the High Court schedules a date to hear the capital offence,” Magistrate Conteh ordered.
