34 women and a minor girl of 16 years, yesterday 14th October 2009, pleaded not guilty to a charge of rogue and vagabond behaviour levied against them by the state.

A collection of ladies were arraigned at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, presided by Principal Magistrate Joseph E Ikpala for allegedly contravening Section 167 of the Criminal Code, Laws of The Gambia.

The following are the accused persons constituting both Gambians and non-Gambians: Fatou Sanneh, Fansainey Fatty, Bintou Sanneh, Amie Colley, Sonna Saidy, Mariama Barry, Nyima Colley, Sainabou Jobe, Isatou Camara, Oumie Jallow, Aminata Camara, Rebeca Enodo, Matida Enio, Astou Bah, Banna Colley, Clinda Rebeca, Amie Bah, Issatou Lamarana Bah, Aji Joof, Nafisatou Camara, Tracy B. Joco, Edi Jusu, Mariama Jatta, Binta Sawaneh, Rugiatou Bah, Yafatou Mbye, Jankey Colley, Kadijatou Jallow, Adama Sowe, Agnes Katty, Awa Colley, (name withheld), Jenifa Barry, Isatou Wally and Mamy Jeng.

According to the particulars of offence, the alleged suspects were arrested at Bertil Harding Highway and diverse places within the Kanifing Municipal Council where they were found wondering along the Highway at about 22:00 hours which led to the conclusion that they were there for illegal or disorderly purpose to wit soliciting men for prostitution.

Upon reading the charges to the accused persons in the language they claimed to understand, all of them strongly denied the charges.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Ahmed Touray then applied for a short adjournment to enable him call his witnesses. As he stated, the case file was sent to him (prosecutor) a while ago for prosecution from Bakau Police Station.

The adjudicating Magistrate, in his ruling, granted the application made by the prosecution and further granted the accused persons court bail in the sum of D10, 000 and one surety with Gambian Identity Card who should be residing within the Greater Banjul area.

The case is expected to continue on 28th October 2009.