Magistrate Krubally of Banjul Magistrates’ Court has adjourned the trial of Musa Camara to 18 and 19 November 2026. The adjournment followed the withdrawal of his lawyer and the appearance of a new one who said he had not yet seen the charge sheet or the prosecution’s materials. Musa Camara is charged with obtaining money by false pretence and fraud on the sale or mortgage of property, over an alleged D16,500,000 transaction.
Musa Camara is charged before Principal Magistrate M. Krubally. Count one alleges obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to section 265 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
The prosecution alleges that, sometime in 2024, in Banjul and diverse places, he obtained sixteen million five hundred thousand Dalasis (D16,500,000) from Olusola Jaiwo George with intent to defraud, on the pretext that he was going to sell his landed property of two-storey buildings, which he knew was false.
Count two alleges fraud on sale or mortgage of property, contrary to section 270(a) of the Act. It alleges that he obtained the same sum, with intent to induce Mr George, for the sale of two-storey buildings measuring 20 by 14 metres, “knowingly or having reasons to believe that such landed property does not exist”.
He pleaded not guilty to both counts and the court entered pleas of not guilty on his behalf.
His counsel, B. Badjie, applied for bail and the prosecution, led by Commissioner A. Sanneh, did not object to bail but reminded the court of the sum involved and said he was reliably informed that the accused holds dual nationality, including Spanish. Defence counsel B. Badjie argued that both offences are bailable and carry no more than three years’ imprisonment if found guilty, that the nationality claim was speculative, and that his client is presumed innocent.
Magistrate Krubally granted bail in the sum of D16,500,000, with two Gambian sureties. Each surety must be employed or in legal business, earning at least D200,000 monthly, and must provide a leased title deed of D800,000 in the Greater Banjul Area or Kanifing Municipality, valued by a qualified surveyor. Each must also provide contact details, an original ID or passport, and an affidavit of means, and must undertake to forfeit the bond if the accused absconds or fails to appear.
Musa Camara was also ordered to surrender his Spanish passport and any other passport in his possession. Musa Camara couldn’t fulfil the bail conditions yesterday until today, 30 September 2026. He was released on bail after fulfilling them.
When the case was called on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, Commissioner A. Sanneh appeared with DSP E. Sarr for the IGP. Counsel B. Badjie appeared for the accused.
Counsel Badjie immediately informed the court he wished to withdraw his representation with immediate effect and asked to take his leave. Magistrate Krubally noted this and excused him.
Counsel E.A. Gomez then announced his representation of the accused. Magistrate Krubally noted the new representation and said the matter was set for cross-examination of the first prosecution witness (PW1), who had already testified, by counsel for the accused.
Counsel Gomez said he was applying “with great reluctance”. He relied on the accused’s right to a fair hearing under section 24 of the Constitution and gave two reasons.
First, he was only coming into the case, had been informed in the morning, had not seen the charge sheet, and needed all the materials the prosecution intended to rely on. Second, he told the court that the accused was believed to have been informed that morning, information he said had been received only that morning and of which the prosecution was aware. He asked for an adjournment and access to the case records so that he could cross-examine effectively.
Commissioner Sanneh told the court the prosecution had no objection. Citing the right to a fair hearing, the earlier counsel’s withdrawal, the new counsel’s appearance and the prosecution’s lack of objection, Magistrate Krubally granted the adjournment.
The case resumes on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 November 2026. Cross-examination of PW1 at 1:30 pm
