By: Isatou Sarr
One of the suspects in the foiled Ballanghar armed robbery was on Wednesday arraigned at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court, where Principal Magistrate Krubally issued an order for his remand in custody at the State Central Prison, pending his appearance before the high court.
Meanwhile, three of Amadou’s alleged co-conspirators: Saidou Sowe, Mamadou Bah, and Def Sowe were still at large at the time of writing this story whilst another suspected accomplice Yerro Sikh Sowe has died. All the suspects are Senegalese nationals.
Commissioner Sanneh, Deputy Commissioner M. Jarju, ASP Sarr, Cpl 7048 A.Y Bojang and Inspector Saidykhan represented the Inspector General of Police during Amadou’s Wednesday court appearance.
Deputy Commissioner M. Jarju, leading the prosecution, applied for the transfer of the case to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court as robbery convictions attracts life imprisonment.
“Our application is pursuant to Section 62 of the Criminal Procedure Code and Legal Notice No. 3 of 2009. In the premise, we apply that the 1st accused be remanded in the State Central Prison pursuant to Section 208 (A) of the CPC. Additionally, we apply for a bench warrant against Saidou Sowe, Mamodou Bah and Def Sowe, who are at large, to be arrested,” stated Deputy Commissioner M. Jarju.
In his ruling, Principal Magistrate Krubally granted the prosecution’s application, acknowledging the legal requirements for handling such cases pursuant to Legal Notice No. 3 and Section 208(A) of the Criminal Code.
Amadou Bah has been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 368 of the Criminal Code, Cap 10:01, Volume 3, Laws of The Gambia, 2009 and robbery with violence, contrary to Section 273(2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 10:01, Volume 3 Laws of The Gambia( 2009).