Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – A Senegalese political figure and businessman, Ndiaga Seck, known for his close relations with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation linked to the arrest of 22 individuals in the Djoloff area of northern Senegal, according to reports from Senegalese local media outlets.
Seck, also known as Matar Ndiaga Seck and aged 51, was reportedly apprehended by the Criminal Investigations Division of the police following a search and arrest notice issued by the urban police commissioner in Linguère.
According to the reports, Seck’s name emerged during questioning in the investigation opened after the arrests of the 22 suspects, who are all accused of alleged “acts against nature,” the legal determination of the homosexuality case they’re being investigated for. Homosexuality is a criminal offense under Senegalese law.
For the past three years, Seck’s name has recurrently circulated as allegedly involved in acts against nature without evidence to substantiate the purported claims.
However, investigators are said to have now gathered what is described as “corroborating evidence” that led to his arrest.
The case escalated after an investigating judge at the Louga High Court ordered further inquiries following the detention of around 20 suspects already placed in custody.
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities reportedly issued a travel ban and a search notice against Seck before his eventual arrest with the assistance of the Criminal Investigations Division of the police.
Sources cited by the Senegalese media said Seck is expected to be transferred to Linguère in the coming days for the continuation of legal proceedings.
PASTEF Political Background
Ndiaga Seck is an accountant by profession and was born in Ziguinchor before becoming a wealthy real estate businessman. He is known in Senegalese political circles as an early supporter of current Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and the ruling party PASTEF, right from its inception.
Ndiaga Seck is also a very close associate of Sonko and an influential behind-the-scenes figure in several dealings involving the current Senegalese Prime Minister.
Seck co-founded the “Sénégal First” movement alongside singers Abdou Guité and Djiby Dramé (currently jailed for alleged homosexuality) during the period of heightened political tensions surrounding the Adji Sarr case involving Sonko.
The movement campaigned internationally in support of Sonko, including meetings in 2023 with French radical left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon and members of the Senegalese diaspora affiliated with PASTEF.
Ndiaga Seck never hesitated to publicly affirm his friendship and loyalty to Ousmane Sonko despite mounting rumors and political pressure.
“Even if everyone accuses Sonko of witchcraft, they should count me among those who would still stand by him. He is deeply rooted in my heart and I will never betray him,” Seck said in a 2023 video that resurfaced on social media following reports of his arrest.
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