“I Was Also Scammed”: Courtroom Packed as New Complainants Join 23 Others; Manjang Cham Remanded to Mile 2 Over Alleged Visa Fraud

The trial of Manjang Cham continued on Thursday before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, drawing a large crowd as fresh complainants reportedly emerged in an ongoing visa fraud case.

Cham, who is facing a 23-count indictment for allegedly obtaining money by false pretences through a visa scam, was brought to court from Mile 2 Central Prison after failing to meet the bail conditions imposed during his initial appearance.

At his first appearance, Presiding Magistrate A. Manneh granted the accused bail in the sum of title deeds valued at D4.2 million—either in his own name or that of a surety—along with the surrender of his passport and national identification card to the court registrar. Having failed to satisfy these conditions, Cham was remanded in custody at Mile 2.

The prosecution team, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) A. Manga, appeared for the Inspector General of Police, alongside DSP Alpha Badjie, Cadet Inspector S. Manjang, Sergeant A. Baldeh, and Police Constable Siaka Sonko.

When the case was called, ACP Manga informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed and called its first witness, Mamjarra Jammeh, an alleged victim who is said to have paid D550,000 to the accused.

However, Counsel Sillah, representing the accused, raised a preliminary objection, demanding that the prosecution furnish the defence with all documentary and material evidence intended to be relied upon during the trial. He further accused the prosecution of ambushing his client, alleging that Cham had been brought to court without being given the opportunity to contact his legal counsel, despite the prosecution’s alleged knowledge that he was represented.

In response, ACP Manga stated that the prosecution had no objection to serving the defence with all relevant trial documents. He, however, rejected the claim of ambush, describing it as misleading and inconsistent with the facts. According to him, the accused had never informed the police of having a lawyer he wished to contact, adding that it was the responsibility of the accused to arrange legal representation after being informed that the matter was proceeding to court.

The exchange led to a heated argument between defence counsel and the lead prosecutor, prompting Magistrate Manneh to intervene and caution both sides to maintain decorum. Noting that the time was already past 4:00 p.m., the magistrate adjourned the proceedings and invited both parties to his chambers.

The atmosphere in the courtroom remained tense as individuals believed to be additional victims were seen murmuring and pointing at the accused. Some claimed they had not seen him since their initial dealings and expressed relief at his arrest, indicating their intention to lodge fresh complaints with the police.

Cham was later escorted from the court in a police pickup and returned to Mile 2 Central Prison.

The prosecution alleges that the accused collected millions of dalasis from victims by promising visas to Canada, allegedly for participation in the Junkanoo Cultural Festival, as well as visas to Spain.

The case has been adjourned to 4 February 2026.