Arona Tine, the alleged murderer of Fatoumatta Kagbo, an HM Bureau Exchange employee, has been placed under remand by Principal Magistrate Sallah Mbye. Huruna Tine, a 36-year-old Senegalese male, was charged by the police prosecution with killing Fatoumatta Kagbo.

Leading the prosecution was Superintendent Jammeh, who represented the Inspector General of Police. The accused chose to talk in Wollof when asked in what language he would respond.

Arona Tine is accused of murder, which is against Section 187 of the Criminal Code and has a Section 188 penalty, according to the charge sheet. The prosecution claimed that Arona Tine fatally stabbed Bureau employee Fatoumata Kagbo in the chest on January 19, 2024, at HM Bureau Exchange in Westfield, Kanifing Municipality, with premeditation.

Superintendent Jammeh informed the court that Arona Tine could face life imprisonment or death if found guilty. He applied for the case to be transferred to a special criminal court and for Tine to be remanded in Mile 2 Central Prison.

The defendant announced to the court that he was only made aware of his arraignment this morning and that he would like legal representation. He declined to have the case transferred to the High Court.

Principal Magistrate Mbye declared in her decision that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter after reviewing the legislation and the prosecution’s application.

Consequently, the magistrate directed that the accused be placed under remand at the State Central Prison (Mile 2) until the High Court hearing, and that the case be transferred to the special criminal court.