Three youths namely, Muhammed Susoko, Musa Keita and Hagi Jimmeh Keita were recently arraigned before Principal Magistrate P.A. Alagbe at the Basse Magistrates' Court, charged with conspiracy and stealing contrary to the Laws of The Gambia.
They are accused of stealing D100, 000 donated to the cyclists by President Yahya Jammeh for welcoming him to Koina during his visit to the Upper River Region, as part of his recently-concluded meet-the-people-tour.
The 1st accused Muhammed Susoko is a resident of Kantora Keneba, whereas the 2nd and 3rd accused persons Musa Keita and Hagi Jimmeh Keita are natives of Koina in the Kantora district.
Meanwhile, the principal suspect Muhammed Susoko pleaded guilty, whilst the 2nd and 3rd accused persons pleaded not guilty.
According to prosecutors, D11, 350 was recovered from the 1st accused, with D20, 000 and D200 recovered from the 2nd and 3rd accused persons, respectively.
The amounts so far retrieved from the accused persons totals D31, 550, and the money was tendered in court as an exhibit.
According to the particulars of offence, the 1st accused received D100, 000 from President Yahya Jammeh through one Sarjo Jarju in the presence of one Corporal Ansumana Sanneh, in appreciation of their welcoming him.
However, a few hours later, a group of cyclists came back to the meeting complaining that the said money was stolen. This led to the arrest of the accused persons.
The case was adjourned to today Monday 26th July 2010.
