Ismaila Kone, also known as Ous, appeared before Principal Magistrate M. Krubally after being charged by the Inspector General of Police with one count of murder under Section 155 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
Prosecutors allege that on Aug. 17, 2026, at Lovell Square Street in Banjul, Kone unlawfully caused the death of Ms. Mendy with malice aforethought.
The charge was read to Kone in English and interpreted for him in Wolof. When asked to enter a plea, he denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Krubally formally entered the plea, noting that Kone is presumed innocent unless and until the prosecution proves the charge against him beyond a reasonable doubt.
Because murder falls outside the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court, Magistrate Krubally ordered the case transferred to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court under Section 72(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025.
The magistrate also ordered Kone remanded at Mile Two Central Prison pending proceedings before the High Court, in accordance with Section 72(2)(a) of the act.
The registrar of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court was directed to forward the full case record and charge sheet to the High Court for further proceedings. (Source: Kerr Fatou)
