Ebrima Nyang was convicted of possessing 936 grams of cannabis sativa and ordered to pay a D150,000 fine or face three years in prison, Magistrate Fofona ruled. The sentence was handed down after Nyang pleaded for leniency. Ebrima Nyang was found guilty of possessing 936 grams of cannabis sativa, a prohibited drug, a verdict delivered by Magistrate Fofona. Magistrate Fofona, presiding over the case, handed down the sentence after careful consideration of the evidence and Nyang's plea. "Yes, I have indeed offended the law, and I have also offended my people," Nyang stated, adding, "I am seeking the mercy of the court so that I can continue with my skill training." Magistrate Fofona stipulated that failure to pay the D150,000 fine would result in the three-year imprisonment term. Nyang was ordered to pay the D150,000 fine, with a default sentence of three years in prison if the fine was not remitted.
Guilty Plea and Evidence
Ebrima Nyang pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing prohibited drugs. An officer from the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia informed the court that a quantity of wrapped cannabis was discovered in Nyang's possession. Nyang confessed to owning the cannabis, according to testimony presented during the proceedings. The cautionary and voluntary statements regarding Nyang's admission were subsequently tendered before the court and admitted into evidence. These statements played a key role in the court's decision, confirming Nyang's acknowledgment of his actions. The court accepted these statements as valid proof of his confession, solidifying the prosecution's case.
Court Proceedings and Mitigation
The sentence and associated fine for Ebrima Nyang were reportedly reduced after the court considered his plea in mitigation. This reduction came about after the court acknowledged Nyang’s personal circumstances and his request for leniency. Nyang had previously requested leniency, stating, "Yes, I have indeed offended the law, and I have also offended my people," and adding, "I am seeking the mercy of the court so that I can continue with my skill training." Magistrate Fofona's ruling outlined a D150,000 fine or a three-year prison term in default. The court, in its discretion, considered the mitigating factors presented by Nyang before determining the final penalty. The fact that the sentence and fine had been reduced after considering Nyang’s plea in mitigation notes the court's capacity for judicial discretion.
Following the judgment, Nyang expressed his satisfaction with the court's decision. He subsequently appealed to the court for permission to pay the D150,000 fine in installments. This request was made as part of the post-judgment proceedings at the Brusubi Magistrates’ Court. Nyang told the court that he was happy with the decision but appealed for permission to pay the fine by instalments, indicating his willingness to comply with the court's order despite the financial burden. The court's response to this specific appeal was not immediately detailed.
Legal Context and Sentencing
The Brusubi Magistrates’ Court fined Ebrima Nyang one hundred and fifty thousand dalasi (D150,000) after he was found guilty of possessing prohibited drugs. Nyang's conviction was contrary to Section 35(2)(c) of the Drug Control Act, 2003, as amended in 2014. This specific section of the law prohibits the possession of controlled substances such as cannabis sativa. Authorities found Nyang in possession of 936 grams of cannabis sativa on February 5, 2026, at Sanchaba, located in the West Coast Region of The Gambia. The date and location of the incident were clearly established during the court proceedings. During the proceedings, Nyang acknowledged his actions and his guilt. "Yes, I have indeed offended the law, and I have also offended my people," Nyang stated, adding, "I am seeking the mercy of the court so that I can continue with my skill training." His admission and plea for mercy were taken into account during the sentencing phase. Nyang was found guilty of possession of prohibited drugs contrary to Section 35(2)(c) of the Drug Control Act, 2003, as amended in 2014, making his conviction a matter of clear legal violation.