Gambia : Five Senegalese Nationals Denied Bail

Feb 19,2007 00:00 by lamin

The Gambia Journal has learnt that five men have been charged with possession of illegal firearms. The accused person were said to have been intercepted on Tuesday 6th February 2007, while in the Gambian waters in Bakau. Further police searches found them in possession of three AK47 riffles, 93mm caliber with 15 rounds of live bullets and one magazine with seven live rounds and 62mm caliber.
The five men, who are believed to be of Senegalese origin , Mr. Serign Ngum, Pap Drammeh, Saidou Cham, Yusu Jobe and Alieu Cham, were then arrested and had since been investigated by the police. Gambian security sources who have a paranoia for mercenary landings from the sea, are very vigilant in Gambian waters. The police have so far revealed little about the source of the weapons and the intentions of their holders; whether the men were common criminals or people with other agendas.
The five have since been charged on two counts under the arms and ammunition act. Count one is about possession of fire arms without authority, contrary to section 8 of the Arms and Ammunition Act cap 21:01. Count two is about importation of fire arms into The Gambia without authority, contrary to section 6 of the Arms and Ammunition Act.
The men have all denied the accusations and have applied for bail. In his ruling, magistrate Jammeh denied the accused persons bail noting, that investigations are still ongoing, and ordering that they return to court on Wednesday 28th February