Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, convicted and sentenced 33 men to a one-month imprisonment, after they were found guilty of rogueries and vagabonds, contrary to Section 167 (d) of the Criminal Code Laws of The Gambia.

According to the facts before the court, the men were arrested by the police on 17th April, 2007 around 5am to 6am, in one Boy Bansang’s compound, in Serrekunda London Corner. They were all said to be found loitering in the compound ‘with the conclusion that they were unlawfully residing there’.

When the charge sheet was read to them in the language they understood, few among them pleaded not guilty, but this was distorted by their other colleagues. “We used alcohol, cocaine, heroine and weed,” said Musa Nyang, one of the accused. He told the court it was Boy Bansang, who provided them with accommodation and feeding free of charge”, he said.

In handing down his sentence, the presiding Magistrate ordered for the immediate arrest of Boy Bansang and subsequent closure of his compound, which is a ghetto like and a hideout for criminals. One of the accused persons Ousman Conteh was released due to ill-health. The accused persons are, Olo William, Omar Sillah, Lamin Sanneh, Ebrima Ann, Modou Jobe, Mustaphe B. Saine, Abubacarr Jabbi, Idrissa Bah, Ebrima Cessay, Modou Mustapha Jurjue, Musa Nyang, Basiru Jobe, Memba Jammeh, Basiru Jagne, Salieu Nyang, Matarr Jarjusey, Femi Dean and Muhammed S Hydara, Ousman Hadean, Ousman Jatta, Sulai Sarr, Malick Trawally, Baba Njie, Saidina Faal, Mustapha Ndoye, Musa Sanneh, Abubacarr Hadeen, Saikou Jallow, Prince Coker, Haruna Manga, Modou Lamin Jabang, Abdoulie Jaiteh, and Terim Willis.

However, Boy Bansang was later arrested by the Police in accordance with the order of the court.