By: Sainabou Sambou
The prosecution has applied to the High Court in Banjul for proceedings in the rape trial of Sarjo Bah to be held in camera to protect the identity and welfare of a minor witness.
Appearing before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, Principal State Counsel A. Adewumi Aluko informed the court that the prosecution’s second witness (PW2) is a minor and requires protection during testimony.
Citing Sections 15 and 16 of the Sexual Offenses Act 2013, Aluko urged the court to exclude the public from the proceedings and prevent publication of the child’s identity.
K.A. Muhammad represented the accused.According to the amended charge, Bah faces one count of rape contrary to Sections 3(1)(a) and 3(2)(d) of the Sexual Offenses Act 2013.
Prosecutors allege that on November 25, 2025, Bah sexually assaulted a nine-year-old girl under coercive circumstances.
During earlier testimony, the child’s mother alleged that the accused repeatedly abused her daughter, including at his residence, and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incidents.
She testified that the family reported the matter to Sanyang Police Station after a nearby clinic declined to examine the child.
The mother said they subsequently provided police statements before taking the child to Brikama Hospital for medical examination.
She further testified that Bah previously worked as her carpenter and frequently picked up the child during afternoon hours. The accused remains before the court as proceedings continue.
