By Louise Jobe
An elderly man from Farato appeared before the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Monday, accused of striking his wife on the head with a bicycle lock cable in an alleged act of domestic violence.
The defendant, Kemo Ceesay, stood before Magistrate Fofana on August 11, 2025, charged with one count of domestic violence under Section 17(2) of the Domestic Violence Act, 2013. Prosecutors say the incident occurred on July 22, 2025, in Farato, a village in The Gambia’s West Coast Region, where Mr. Ceesay allegedly assaulted his wife, Sonna Fatty, leaving her injured.
During the hearing, Police Prosecutor ASP Sawaneh and Inspector Fadera appeared for the Inspector General of Police, while Mr. Ceesay, speaking in Mandinka to ensure understanding, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Prosecutor Sawaneh told the court that, in light of the not guilty plea, the state would seek an adjournment to prepare its case for trial. Inspector Fadera said there was no objection to granting bail.
Magistrate Fofana approved the prosecution’s request and granted Mr. Ceesay bail, setting the conditions at three Gambian sureties who must each swear an affidavit and deposit 20,000 dalasis, totaling 60,000 dalasis.
The case is scheduled to resume on August 21, 2025, at 11 a.m., when the prosecution will call its first witness.
