The Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, delivered a judgment that saw Bubacarr Touray and Alagie Tunkara convicted on multiple counts, most notably on the first count of conspiracy to commit a felony. The two young men were part of six accused persons jointly charged with a total of three distinct offences: conspiracy to commit a felony, impersonation, and stealing. The court's judgment, handed down by Magistrate M. Dem, followed a full trial related to incidents that occurred sometime in 2022. All offences for which the individuals were charged and tried took place within The Gambia's West Coast Region. Touray and Tunkara's conviction marks a significant development in the case involving multiple individuals accused of illicit activities, culminating in a legal resolution for the charges brought against them. The proceedings showed the judiciary's commitment to addressing criminal conduct within the region.
Sentencing Details and Penalties
Bubacarr Touray and Alagie Tunkara received multiple convictions and corresponding sentences from the Brikama Magistrates’ Court, reflecting the gravity of their crimes. For the charge of conspiracy to commit a felony, the court sentenced each man to a term of two years’ imprisonment. This particular charge alleged that the accused conspired to commit a felony within the West Coast Region sometime in 2022, forming a foundational element of the prosecution's case.
In addition to the conspiracy charge, both Touray and Tunkara faced penalties for impersonation. For this offence, the court sentenced them each to six months’ imprisonment. The impersonation charge specifically alleged that the accused falsely represented themselves as police officers with an intent to defraud, thereby misleading individuals and undermining public trust.
The most significant penalty for the duo was a four-year imprisonment term each for the offence of stealing. This charge detailed that the accused stole D238,100 from several individuals. The court's findings confirmed the allegations related to the substantial sum of money taken.
Magistrate M. Dem further ordered Bubacarr Touray and Alagie Tunkara to pay a fine of D125,000. This compensation was specifically earmarked for the victims of their crimes, aiming to provide a measure of restitution for the financial losses incurred. The court's ruling further stipulated that failure by the two convicts to pay the D125,000 compensation would result in an additional nine months’ imprisonment for each of them. This additional term serves as a deterrent and enforcement mechanism for the compensation order. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning the longest term of four years for stealing will encompass the shorter sentences for conspiracy and impersonation. This concurrent sentencing structure ensures that the total time served aligns with the most severe conviction. The additional nine months for non-payment of compensation, however, would be served consecutively, meaning it would commence after the primary imprisonment term is completed.
Charges and Allegations Detailed
The conspiracy charge against Bubacarr Touray and Alagie Tunkara alleged that the accused individuals conspired to commit a felony within The Gambia's West Coast Region sometime in 2022. This charge formed the basis of one of the three offences for which they were jointly tried, noting a premeditated intent behind their actions. The prosecution presented evidence to establish this concerted effort to commit criminal acts.
The impersonation charge stated with specificity that the accused falsely represented themselves as police officers. This claim indicated an intent to defraud individuals, which was a central element of the prosecution's case, as they sought to exploit the authority associated with law enforcement. The deliberate misrepresentation aimed to illicitly gain an advantage or property from unsuspecting victims.
The stealing charge detailed that the accused took D238,100 from several individuals, a substantial sum that showed the financial impact of their crimes. The complainants named in this charge included Momodou Bailo Jallow, Sulayman Barry, Samba Bah, Essa Jallow, Naji Sadler, Ali Diko, Mamadou Yorro Jallow, and Mamadou Jambaliou. The prosecution maintained that the stolen money belonged specifically to these named complainants, directly linking the accused's actions to the financial losses suffered by these individuals. The combined allegations formed the complete criminal case adjudicated by the Brikama Magistrates’ Court, with each charge contributing to the overall picture of the illicit activities undertaken by Touray and Tunkara.
Court Proceedings Context
During the judicial process, four other accused persons, Lamin Ngum, Momodou Dukureh, Almamo Conteh, and Momodou Sanyang, were discharged by the court. Their discharge indicates that the evidence presented against them did not meet the threshold for conviction, distinguishing their involvement from that of Touray and Tunkara. The judgment in this high-profile case was delivered at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, in the presence of various key parties. Police prosecutor DSP Buteh Sawaneh attended the proceedings, representing the State and presenting the case against the accused. Also present were the accused persons themselves, Bubacarr Touray and Alagie Tunkara, alongside the complainants, who were vital to the prosecution's case. The presence of all these parties ensured transparency and due process in the delivery of justice. The court's decision brings closure to the legal proceedings initiated against the individuals involved in the 2022 incidents in the West Coast Region.
