By Mariama Marong
On Monday, October 20th, a man identified as Moses Ukwai appeared before Justice Jobarteh at the Banjul High Court, facing grave charges of allegedly raping two young girls aged seven and eight.
According to court documents, Ukwai is facing two counts of rape under Section 3(1)(a) and punishable under Section 4(1)(bb) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2013. The prosecution alleges that sometime in April 2025, in the West Coast Region, Ukwai unlawfully engaged in sexual acts with both girls under coercive circumstances.
The first count accuses Ukwai of raping a seven-year-old girl, whose identity is withheld for legal and ethical reasons. The second count relates to the alleged rape of an eight-year-old girl. In both instances, the prosecution claims that Ukwai forcefully inserted his penis into the victims’ vaginas, thereby committing the offences as charged.
Ukwai, who was arraigned on Monday, is expected to enter a plea as the case proceeds. The prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the charges, noting the vulnerability of the victims and the aggravating circumstances under which the alleged offences took place.
Justice Jobarteh adjourned the matter to allow for further legal proceedings. The accused remains in custody as the case continues.
The case has drawn public attention and renewed calls for greater protection of children and the strict enforcement of laws relating to sexual offences in The Gambia.
