Abdou Sowe, a 39-year-old Senegalese man, was discovered last Friday in Nyambai Forest after being beaten and robbed of an iPhone 16 Pro Max and D3000 cash. Sowe reported he had traveled from Banjul to Tabokoto to buy the phone. He was attacked in a seven-seater commercial vehicle while heading back to Banjul. "While the vehicle was in motion, Sowe alleged that the man sitting beside him suddenly restrained him, covering his mouth and nose," the victim stated. He added, "He said he quickly lost consciousness and could not remember anything that happened afterwards until he found himself at the forest."
Details of the Attack
Abdou Sowe reported that he observed three men inside the vehicle in addition to the driver. The incident occurred while Sowe was traveling in a seven-seater commercial vehicle, making his way back to Banjul from Tabokoto, where he had just purchased the iPhone 16 Pro Max. According to the victim's statement, "While the vehicle was in motion, Sowe alleged that the man sitting beside him suddenly restrained him, covering his mouth and nose." This sudden action led to Sowe quickly losing consciousness. Sowe further stated, "He said he quickly lost consciousness and could not remember anything that happened afterwards until he found himself at the forest." The victim indicated he does not know the driver and could not identify the vehicle’s registration number, colour, or any other identifying features, which could prove challenging for investigators. After Sowe was discovered, his bag was located a few metres from his position in the forest, completely empty, confirming the robbery. In addition to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the perpetrators also took D3000 in cash from Sowe.
Victim's Ordeal and Recovery
Abdou Sowe was discovered in Nyambai Forest in a semiconscious state, reportedly suffering from severe pain consistent with heavy beatings. He was found half conscious and in considerable distress, indicating the brutal nature of the assault. Following his discovery, Sowe was transported to a hospital where he remained until he fully regained consciousness and was deemed capable of providing a statement to authorities. His recovery at the hospital was key for him to be able to recount the traumatic events. Sowe recounted the attack, stating, "While the vehicle was in motion, Sowe alleged that the man sitting beside him suddenly restrained him, covering his mouth and nose. He said he quickly lost consciousness and could not remember anything that happened afterwards until he found himself at the forest." The victim has since been discharged from the hospital after receiving medical attention for his injuries, though the emotional and physical impact of the ordeal is likely to linger.
Police Investigation and Motive
Police sources informed The Standard that investigators believe Abdou Sowe was attacked inside a vehicle he was traveling in. This theory aligns with Sowe's own account of the events leading up to his discovery. Authorities suspect Sowe was robbed in the car before being dumped in Nyambai Forest, a common tactic used by criminals to dispose of victims after a robbery. The victim recounted, "While the vehicle was in motion, Sowe alleged that the man sitting beside him suddenly restrained him, covering his mouth and nose. He said he quickly lost consciousness and could not remember anything that happened afterwards until he found himself at the forest." Police are still working to determine if the suspects specifically targeted Sowe due to his recent iPhone purchase or for another motive, such as opportunistic robbery. The victim's inability to identify the driver or any specific features of the vehicle presents a significant hurdle for the ongoing investigation. The police will continue to investigate the matter thoroughly, according to official statements, aiming to bring the perpetrators to justice.