By Nelson Manneh
A 28-year-old microfinance operator accused of staging a fake robbery to cover up the alleged theft of over D140,000 has been arraigned alongside an alleged accomplice at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court.
Amadou M. Jawo, who worked at the Yonna Forex Bureau in Kalagi Village, West Coast Region, appeared before Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy on April 29, 2025, to face three criminal charges. They were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, stealing by a clerk or servant, and accessory after the fact — all violations of the Criminal Code of The Gambia.
Jawo, along with his alleged accomplice, Alieu Sanyang, pleaded not guilty to all charges. They were both granted bail in the sum of D200,000 each, with the condition that one of the two required sureties must be a principal civil servant.
The case stems from a dramatic report filed on April 25, when Jawo was found lying inside his office, his mouth bound with plastic, allegedly acting as the victim of a violent robbery. He was initially treated at Sintet Health Centre and referred to Bwiam General Hospital. However, medical personnel reportedly found no injuries on him, prompting suspicions among investigators.
According to police, further inquiries revealed that Jawo had orchestrated the fake robbery to hide the misappropriation of D140,000 from the microfinance institution. Investigators say that Sanyang, who is currently at large, helped stage the scene by tying Jawo up to make the event appear credible.
The prosecution contends that the staged attack was not a spontaneous act but a premeditated effort to mislead authorities and deflect scrutiny from internal financial irregularities.
The matter has been adjourned to May 9, 2025, at 12:30 PM for the commencement of trial, starting with testimony from the first prosecution witness. The accused persons will have the chance to defend themselves after the prosecution closes its case.
