Gambian police have named three suspects in connection with an armed robbery in Banjul, where over one million dalasis was stolen from a Mauritanian-owned shop.

The suspects have been identified as Ousainou Diabateh, an Ivorian national, along with Abdoulie Jallow, 24, and Amadou Wurry Jallow.

Following intensive investigations, police arrested Ousainou Jobarteh, an Ivorian residing in Busumbala, in the early hours of Sunday, February 9, 2025. Authorities recovered D70,250 and 465,000 CFA from him.

According to police, Jobarteh confessed to conspiring with Abdoulie Jallow, who used his BMW, bearing registration number BJL 4871B, to carry out the robbery.

“During questioning, the suspect admitted that he and Jallow planned and executed the robbery. He further revealed that Amadou Wurry Jallow, a mechanic, was instructed to drive the vehicle out of Banjul for maintenance and repainting to conceal evidence,” police said.

The police added that the stolen vehicle was later identified and intercepted at Bond Road around 21:00 GMT.

On the same day, police arrested Abdoulie Jallow and his girlfriend, Bella James, at Serekunda Villa at approximately 16:30 GMT.

“A search of Jallow led to the recovery of D198,000 in cash. His Wave account contained D24,000, but no CFA currency was found,” the spokesperson added.

Investigators said the stolen money was divided among the suspects.

“Jobarteh admitted to handing over D70,250 and 465,000 CFA to his wife, Tida Nyang, while also giving her an additional D3,000 for personal expenses.

“He further disclosed that he entrusted D304,000 to Odile Secka, a resident of Banjul,” police confirmed.

Authorities say investigations are still ongoing, and further arrests may follow.

By Adama Makasuba