The Bundung High Court on Wednesday granted bail to two of three women accused in the female circumcision death of an infant, Baby Sarjo Conteh.
Presiding over the case, Justice I. Janneh released Hawa Conteh and Oumie Sawaneh on bail, while Fatou Camara, the first accused, remains in custody.
The three women face multiple charges stemming from the September 8, 2025, incident in Wellingara, where Baby Sarjo reportedly died following the procedure. According to the state’s bill of indictment, the charges include conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 341 of the Criminal Offences Act (2025) and violations of the Women’s (Amendment) Act (2015) prohibiting female circumcision.
The indictment alleges that Camara performed the procedure, Conteh provided the means for it, and Sawaneh, aware that the circumcision would take place, failed to report it to authorities. All three women pleaded not guilty.
During the hearing, State Counsel sought to remand all three accused to Mile 2 Central Prison. Counsel LS Camara, representing Camara, did not oppose the application for his client, citing that it was her first appearance and that bail would be considered later. Counsel Fa Kebba Darboe, representing Conteh and Sawaneh, successfully argued for bail, noting that both women had previously been granted bail at the magistrate’s court and that the charges in the High Court remained bailable.
Justice Janneh set bail at 50,000 dalasis for each accused, requiring a Gambian surety who must submit an affidavit of means along with identification and proof of residence. The sureties are also responsible for ensuring the accused appears at all court proceedings.
The prosecution is expected to call several witnesses, including police officers who recorded cautionary statements, as well as medical professionals involved in receiving the infant and conducting the post-mortem.
The case has been adjourned until December 10 for further hearing.