Africa-Press – Gambia. Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Monday delivered judgment in the case of 42 foreign nationals comprising 37 Nigerians and 5 Chinese who were charged with two counts of cyber-related offences brought by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The charges include unlawful possession of devices and data, and computer-related extortion, fraud, and forgery, contrary to Sections 168 (3) & (4) and 173 (2) & (3) of the Information and Communications Act, Cap 74:03 Volume 12, Laws of The Gambia 2009.
Deputy Commissioner M. Jarju, along with Assistant Commissioners M. Camara and F. Touray, represented the prosecution, while Senior Counsel L.S. Camara appeared for the accused persons. All 42 individuals were present in court.
Principal Magistrate Mendy, while delivering the sentence, acknowledged the economic cost the arrest and prosecution of the convicts had imposed on the state. She noted that the items used in committing the offences were to be forfeited to the state, and all convicts would be deported upon completion of their sentence.
Exercising her discretion under Sections 34(3) and 35(1)(a)(b) of the Criminal Offences Act 2025, Magistrate Mendy sentenced each convict to a fine of D10,000 on Count 1 and D10,000 on Count 2, in default to serve one month in prison per count. The sentences are to run consecutively.
The court further ordered the forfeiture of all used items recovered by investigators, including 262 mobile phones (brands: iPhone, Motorola, and Redmi), 153 desktop computers, 5 laptops of various brands, Power banks, flat screen televisions, and various computer accessories. These items are to be handed over to the Office of the IGP to support crime-fighting operations.
However, personal belongings not used in the commission of the crimes—including passports, personal phones, bags, bank cards, and other personal items are to be returned to the convicts upon their release from custody.
Upon completion of their sentences, the convicts are to be confined at a secure location at their own expense under the supervision of the Gambia Immigration Department, pending deportation.
They are to be deported within 10 days of their release, by land, air, or sea, as determined by immigration authorities.
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