The controversial leader of The Gambia Action Party (GAP) Musa Batchilly today appeared at the Kanifing magistrates court, where he denied charges of obtaining money through false pretense, Freedom Newspaper can report. Batchilly has been accused of defrauding $12,000 dollars from Mrs. Fatoumatta Baye, a Gambian living in the United States. His case stem out from a house, that he (Batchilly) has sold to Mrs. Fatoumatta Baye, only for Mrs. Baye to later find out that the house in question doesn’t belong to Batchilly.
Batchilly was escorted in court on Tuesday by the Banjul police. The prosecution said he was brought to court, following allegations of obtaining money through false pretense.
When the charge sheet was read out to Batchilly, he pleaded not guilty. He has denied the prosecution’s charges.
Consequently, the court has decided to grant the accused GAP leader bail. His sureties were required to submit two title deeds to facilitate his release from police custody.
The case has been adjourned to July 16th, 2020.
Batchilly has earlier informed the court about his desire to hire a lawyer to represent him. He has also asked the court to intervene to restrain the complainant Fatoumatta Baye and her family from discussing the case with the press. He complained that the Freedom Newspaper had reported about his police arrest, but the presiding magistrate never entertained his request.
Fatoumatta Baye was accompanied in court by her mum and brother Modou Baye. She flew from the United States to pursue justice in The Gambia. She wants Musa Batchilly to face justice and return her hard earned $12,000 dollars.
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