Gambiaj.com – (KANIFING, The Gambia) – On Wednesday, a 14-year-old girl testified before Kanifing Magistrates Court Principal Magistrate Isatou Sallah Mbai about her alleged rape when she was on her way to a drugstore. The young woman provided a testimony in the case of Ebou Ceesay, who is accused of rape in violation of Section 3(2)(d) of the Sexual Offence Act 2013, which carries a serious penalty under Section 4(a)(1) of the Gambia’s Sexual Offence Act 2013 statutes.

According to the details of the offense, Ebou Ceesay “forcefully and unlawfully” had carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old girl in July 2023 in the Kanifing Municipality. However, Ebou entered a not guilty plea to the alleged offense.

The victim, whose identity is kept secret, stated in court that she knew the accused and that he was the reason she was in court. She also mentioned that “Uncle E had impregnated her.” She describes the horrific event in which her older sister sent her to a drugstore to get medication. That’s when she encountered the accused, who persuaded her to accompany him before forcing himself on her. The girl made a graphic description of her alleged ordeal before the court.

Following the incident, the defendant threatened to murder her if she discussed it. Inspector Baba Jallow, the prosecutor, asked for an adjournment. Y. Badjie, the defense attorney, did not object to the request.

Nonetheless, in accordance with Section 24 of the Constitution, the defense attorney requested that the prosecution provide him with all of the evidence they want to use. The prosecution promised to deliver the required materials and did not object to the request.

Sallah Mbai, the presiding principal magistrate, gave the prosecution instructions to give the defense access to the pertinent documents he plans to use.

The case was  adjourned until July 11, 2024.