Four men accused of a series of violent robberies have been remanded in custody after appearing before a magistrate in Banjul.

The suspects –Ansumana Jarju, Abdoulie Jallow, Ousainou Diabate, and Omar Secka– face multiple charges, including robbery with violence, conspiracy to commit a felony, and possession of firearms without authority.

Prosecutors say they targeted businesses including United Bureau, United Vegetable Oil Company, Access Bank, and El-Hella Company, allegedly making off with large sums of money and valuables.

Police say the men carried out the attacks armed with cutlasses and pistols. Prosecutors argued that the suspects posed a significant risk to public safety.

Before the charges were read, police prosecutor Commissioner Sanneh urged the magistrate to transfer the case to the Special Criminal Court, which deals with serious offences.

Magistrate Krubally agreed and ordered that the case be transferred to the High Court. He also directed that the accused remain in custody at Mile Two Central Prison.

According to the prosecution, on June 29, 2021, Ansumana Jarju allegedly robbed a woman at United Bureau in Senegambia, stealing cash and valuables worth D42,200 while wielding a cutlass.

On December 31, 2024, Jarju, Jallow, and Diabate allegedly carried out a violent robbery at United Vegetable Oil Company, Denton Bridge, escaping with D400,000. On January 22, 2025, all four suspects allegedly stormed Access Bank in Brusubi, making off with D1.5 million while armed with pistols.

On February 8, 2025, Jallow and Diabate allegedly targeted El-Hella Shop in Banjul, robbing a store owner of over D1.2 million.

The suspects are also accused of unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition. With the case now transferred to the High Court, they remain in custody awaiting trial.

By Adama Makasuba