By: Dawda M Jallow
A “Backway” returnee Mustapha Jallow has entered a guilty plea for the charge of breaking and stealing from Mega Bank.
Mustapha appeared before Magistrates Mben Faal of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was sentenced to a fine of D5000 on the count of break-in in default to serve three months imprisonment. On Count two, he was ordered to pay D7,500 failure of which, he would remain in Statecustody for four months.
The particulars of count one read that Mustapha Jallow on or about 17 December 2024, at Kairaba Avenue in the KanifingMunicipality, broke into MegaBank’s office between 5:30 amand 6:00 am. The details of count two indicated that Mustapha Jallow on 17 December 2024, at Kairaba Avenue in the Kanifing Municipality, stole a laptop marked HP valued at D75, 000.00, being the property of Mega Bank.
Inspector Cherno Jallow, representing the Inspector General of Police, told the court that Mustapha had, around the hours 05:30 to 06:00 on 17 December, broke the window of MegaBank and stole a laptop marked HP valued at D75, 000.00 and later gave it to his friend Modou Sanneh to replenish the laptop’s battery for him. Inspector Jallow narrated that Modou was apprehended by the police and had informed the investigating officers that Mustapha brought the laptop to him to charge it.
“Modou Sanneh led the officers to where the accused was. When the accused was met, he accepted that he handed the laptop to his friend for charging. The said laptop was recovered and the accused was taken to Kairaba police station,where he was charged with his offence,’’ prosecutor Jallowtold the court.
In his plea of mitigation, Mustapha attributed his crime to a mistake, saying he deeply regretted his action.
“I am asking for forgiveness from the court. Just some months ago, I was in Tunisia and was deported to Gambia. I am the only son and breadwinner of my family. I work and provide everything they need,’’ he remorsefully said.