One Baboucarr Kelebah, a shopkeeper and resident at the Serrekunda suburb of Dippakunda, has been remanded by Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh of the Kanifing Magistrate Court, on charges of stealing.

The complainant, Abdoulie Drammeh, told the court that in February 2005, he entrusted the accused with D40, 000 cash for safe-keeping. Mr. Drammeh pointed out that he later took D20, 000 from the accused, before entrusting him with another D6, 000.

Responding to questions by the presiding magistrate, Mr. Drammeh said he had made several fruitless attempts to locate Baboucarr Kelebah for his money. However, he disclosed that he accidentally met the accused with a hand luggage in Dippakunda, who he suspected of leaving the area.

According to him, he asked Baboucarr to spend a night with at his house, only to realise that he disappeared early in the morning, before his apprehension by the police.

When asked by the presiding magistrate, Mr. Kelebah confirmed he received the sum at a time when he was operating a corner shop. However, he was quick to tell the court that the business had collapsed, adding that he can repay the money at D200 on monthly basis.

The case was adjourned to February 20 for continuation.