Youth charged with rape, adduction

Charges of rape and abduction have been brought against a Sukuta resident, one Mustapha Sillah, who was arraigned yesterday at the Special Criminal Court in Banjul.

He was alleged to have had unlawful carnal knowledge of one Wuday Tabally without her consent on 24th January 2011.

State prosecutors also said Sillah, on the same day, using force and deceitful means, induced Wuday Tabally to follow him to his house, where he locked and detained her for days, and thereby committed an offence.

Sillah vehemently denied the charges. Shortly after taking his plea, counsel representing the suspect, Momodou Drammeh, told the court that he was briefed about the case just on Monday, and that he would need time to study the case before they could proceed with hearing.

However, state counsel Bwala told Justice Ikpala that the state was ready to proceed with the case.

Justice Ikpala subsequently adjourned the case for hearing till 19 May 2011.