Momodou Bah, a Guinean also known as “Area,” was remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison on Tuesday after the Magistrates’ Court ruled it lacked jurisdiction over his murder case and transferred the matter to the High Court’s Special Criminal Division.
Bah appeared before Principal Magistrate Sallah Mbye charged with murder contrary to Section 155 of the Criminal Offenses Act 2025.
Police allege that on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Fajara, Bah stabbed the late Ba Yunusa M’bai Mbye, a prominent student leader, on the neck with a broken bottle, causing his death. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Before Bah could take a plea, Inspector Baba Jallow, prosecuting for the Inspector General of Police, applied to have the case transferred on the grounds of a lack of jurisdiction. He submitted that murder, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment, must be tried by the Special Criminal Division of the High Court under a legal notice issued by the Chief Justice.
“We apply for the matter to be transferred to its proper jurisdiction while the accused is remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison pending his appearance at the High Court, pursuant to Section 72 of the Criminal Procedure Act,” Inspector Jallow told the court.
Principal Magistrate Sallah Mbye upheld the application, ruled that the Magistrates’ Court had no jurisdiction, and ordered the immediate transfer of the case. She further directed that Bah be held at Mile 2 Prison until the High Court hearing.
The proceedings triggered chaotic scenes inside and outside the courtroom. Friends and colleagues of the deceased broke down in tears before their grief turned into fury. Some shouted that remand was too lenient, with cries of “He should be killed” echoing in the gallery.
Outside, a group of mourners blocked the police escort vehicle, chanting “We will kill him. He is not going.” Police had to intervene to disperse the crowd and allow the vehicle to depart with the accused.
The case has sparked strong emotions in the community, with many describing the late Ba Yunusa M’bai Mbye as a respected student leader whose death has left a deep void. Authorities have appealed for calm as the matter proceeds to the High Court.
