By: Foday Manneh
After more than two (2) years at the mile 2 central prison and over 30 adjournments of his trial, Bubacarr Keita alias Bob Keita, the young entrepreneur accused of rape on a single count, was finally proven innocent on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 as he returns home to a tumultuous welcome by family, friends, and well-wishers.
Mr. Keita spoke to the press after his release, which came during the submission of the DNA evidence at the center of the trial.
“I don’t have anything to say. I am just happy. I thank God and Gambians.” Bob Keita told the media while leaving mile 2.
Bob Keita’s Mother, Zainab Barry expressed delight in receiving her son back and said she cried tears of joy but is still disappointed with how her son was taken away from her.
PC: Gambia Talents
“I cried because of the joy of seeing my son back. But I am disappointed with the justice system of The Gambia. They should have secured evidence before jailing my son for two years. After all, he is innocent.” Bob’s Mother stressed.
“I know very well that my son was innocent. The day he was taken to the Police, I was unaware of his arrest until the following morning. I hoped I would see him one day because he is innocent.”
Zainab said the accusation was a plot against his son.
“My advice to every young man is always careful and take time with girls nowadays.”
Bob Keita, age 32, has been standing trial for a single charge of rape for more than two (2) years after his ex-wife accused him of raping her younger sister, who was a minor at the time, resulting in a pregnancy.
However, after multiple court proceedings and adjournments, the report of a DNA test conducted in Ghana to establish the fate of the case was brought to the court by a Ghanaian forensic expert, Edward Kofi Abban, who testified on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
The DNA test report read by Justice Momodou S.M Jallow at the Banjul High Court stated that Bubacarr Keita is not the biological Father of the late Baby Muhammed while excluding Pa Modou Johm as the Father of the deceased child.
Following the filing of a “nolle prosequi” by State Prosecutor P Gomez, stating the prosecution’s “unwillingness to prosecute,” The state dropped all criminal charges against Bob Keita.
Justice SM Jallow subsequently acquitted and discharged Bob Keita, who walked free after a tedious two-year trial.
