By Adama Makasuba
Four men, accused of a series of violent robberies, have been remanded in custody following their appearance before a magistrate in Banjul.
The suspects—Ansumana Jarju, Abdoulie Jallow, Ousainou Diabate, and Omar Secka—face numerous charges, including robbery with violence, conspiracy to commit a felony, and possession of firearms without authority.
Prosecutors allege that the group targeted various businesses, including United Bureau, United Vegetable Oil Company, Access Bank, and El-Hella Company, reportedly taking substantial sums of money and valuable items.
Law enforcement officials state that the men executed these attacks while armed with cutlasses and pistols. Prosecutors emphasized that the suspects posed a significant risk to public safety.
Before reading the charges, Police Prosecutor Commissioner Sanneh urged the magistrate to transfer the case to the Special Criminal Court, which handles serious offenses. Magistrate Krubally concurred and ordered the case transfer to the High Court, instructing that the accused remain in custody at Mile Two Central Prison.
According to the prosecution, on June 29, 2021, Ansumana Jarju allegedly robbed a woman at United Bureau in Senegambia, stealing cash and valuables amounting to D42,200 while wielding a cutlass.
On December 31, 2024, Jarju, Jallow, and Diabate allegedly carried out a violent robbery at United Vegetable Oil Company in Denton Bridge, absconding with D400,000. Furthermore, on January 22, 2025, all four suspects reportedly stormed Access Bank in Brusubi, making off with D1.5 million while armed with pistols.
On February 8, 2025, Jallow and Diabate allegedly targeted the El-Hella Shop in Banjul, robbing the store owner of over D1.2 million.
The suspects are also charged with unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition. With the case now transferred to the High Court, they remain in custody pending trial.
