Two Senegalese nationals were on Tuesday arraigned on charges of human trafficking at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court, an offence that carries up to 15 years’ imprisonment.  
Pap Ebra Gaye is charged with “prohibition of human trafficking in person,” while Jebbel Sallah is charged with “acting as intermediary for the purpose of trafficking”.
Both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Pap Ebra Gaye is accused of receiving from one Alhagie Ebra Gaye and three others, sometime on 25th August 2009, at Brufut beach side and other diverse places in Western Region, the sum of 950, 000 CFA, equivalent to D94, 099.00, for purpose of trafficking them to Spain.
Jebbel Sallah, on the same day and the same place, allegedly acted as an intermediary by receiving from Alhagie Ebra Gaye and others, with intent to connect them with Pap Ebra Gaye for the purpose of trafficking them to Spain.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Alagie Colley, applied for them to be denied bail on the condition that they are not Gambians and may flee the jurisdiction if granted bail. He told the court that the alleged offences are felonious and carries a maximum penalty of 15 years.
In his ruling, Magistrate Fred Foster stated that the basis of the prosecution’s application that the accused persons are not Gambians does not mean that, they should not be granted bail.
Noting that the alleged offences are bailable, he remanded the accused on bail in the sum of D250, 000 each, with two Gambian sureties each of whom must have a landed property within the jurisdiction.
The case continues on 15th of September 2009.