By Kemo Kanyi
A British national, Adeyemi Olumuyiwa Awosanya was Thursday convicted by Magistrate Fatou Darboe-Jaguraga for prohibition of conduct and assault.
Sub Inspector E. Ceesay represented the prosecution. The accused person was not represented.
The first-time visitor to the Gambia was slammed with the prohibition of conduct conducive to the breach of peace and common assault contrary to section 9 of the Public Order Act, and section 227 of the criminal code, laws of the Gambia 2009.
He however pleaded guilty to both charges. .
The indictment explained that Adeyemi Olumuyiwa Awosanyawas using abusive and insulting language against customs officers, Abdou Dambelly and Lallah Kandeh, who were on duty on the 17th March 2024 around 19:00hrs.
According to the facts presented before the court, about 1900hrs on the 17th March, upon the arrival of the accused at the Banjul International Airport with his luggage, when Abdou Dambellywas on duty, who uses machines for measuring. But the accused box could not fit in the machine, so the customs officer had to bring it down because it could not fit. The accused didn’t like that and hit the hand of the officer on duty and called him motherfucker and Lalla. Inspector Buya Njie at the airport station was informed of what was happening. The accused was later invited to the airport police station and a statement was taken from the witnesses concerned. The accused was further cautioned and charged as preferred against him.
The accused person explained: “I was wrestled to the ground by Dambelly, and my jewelry was ripped off. He held my neck forcefully. I wasn’t expected to be treated that way. This caused everything. This part is not mentioned in the facts narrated by the police.”
The court convicted the accused of the charges against him accordingly.
Giving his plea of mitigation, Adeyemi said he apologized for the incident. He added: “I was on board about 7 to 8 hours, and I was so tired. It was a misunderstanding between us, but nothing was held against them. It was never intended, but it was unfortunate. Besides, this is my first time in the Gambia on a holiday. I apologize to everyone, especially the police officers involved.”
The court sentenced him to a fine of D20,000.00 on count one and D5,000.00 on count two in default to serve 3 years and 2 years for the respective counts.
