By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)
The Gambian Police have charged Fatou Secka, a former employee of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), with five criminal offenses related to financial fraud, after she allegedly defrauded multiple individuals of nearly 19 million dalasis. The charges, which were filed before Magistrate Krubally at the Banjul Magistrate Court, include obtaining money by false pretence.
Secka, who was dismissed from her position at the GRA, appeared in court for the first time on Thursday, January 30, 2025, to face the charges. The prosecution, represented by ASP Sarr and Inspector Saidykhan on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, accused Secka of engaging in fraudulent schemes to collect large sums of money under the guise of selling vehicles and goods, which she never intended to deliver. Secka was represented by her defense counsel, A. Sillah.
The Charges:
The first charge alleges that in 2024, Secka fraudulently induced Gabriel Sohna to pay 1.785 million dalasis, claiming she would purchase two motor vehicles and 1,600 liters of cooking oil for him. The police contend that Secka knew these claims were false when she made them.
In the second count, the prosecution accuses Secka of obtaining 1.045 million dalasis from Baboucarr Jallow, purportedly for the sale of two Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles, a transaction Secka allegedly never intended to complete.
A third charge involves Secka allegedly obtaining 750,000 dalasis from Muhammed Jallow under the pretense of selling him a vehicle. Similarly, in a fourth charge, Secka is said to have defrauded Ousman Gassama of 110,000 dalasis with a similar fraudulent claim regarding a vehicle sale.
Finally, in the fifth count, Secka is accused of defrauding Adama Jagne of 125,000 dalasis under the false pretext of selling him a vehicle.
Court Proceedings:
Secka, who pleaded not guilty to all the charges, will face a full trial as the prosecution seeks to prove its case. The prosecution requested an adjournment to call its first witness, while ASP Sarr did not oppose the granting of bail. Secka’s defense counsel, A. Sillah, sought a flexible bail arrangement, highlighting that Secka is a lactating mother with a one-year-old child.
Magistrate Krubally, in his ruling, acknowledged that the charges brought against Secka are bailable. He exercised his discretion and granted bail in the sum of 2 million dalasi, despite the total amount allegedly defrauded standing at 2,030,000 dalasis. Additionally, the court required Secka to provide two responsible Gambian sureties, each with stable employment or business and earning at least 10,000 dalasis per month.
The sureties will also need to provide a sworn affidavit of means and submit their contact details, addresses, and valid identification. In the event of Secka’s failure to appear in court, the sureties will forfeit their bail bond.
The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, January 12, 2025, for the commencement of the hearing at 1:00 PM.
As the case continues to unfold, it raises significant questions about the security of financial transactions and the ongoing challenges of fraud in the Gambia.
