Kanifing Magistrate Orders Ferreh Lulu Properties to Pay D830,000 in Land Dispute

A magistrate in Kanifing has ordered Ferreh Lulu Properties to pay D830,000 to Marabi Salam Camara after finding that the company failed to provide land he had paid for in full.

Magistrate B. Sowe delivered the ruling at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court. Mr. Camara appeared through his lawyer, Nuha Bojang, while the defendant was absent despite being served with hearing notices at least twice, according to the court.

The dispute arose from a land transaction that began in early 2026, when Mr. Camara responded to advertisements by Ferreh Lulu Properties offering plots for sale on Facebook.

Through an intermediary, Famara Jammeh, Mr. Camara was introduced to Lamin Ceesay, who presented himself as a director of the company.

After discussions over available plots, the parties agreed on a purchase price of D800,000. A formal sale agreement dated April 18, 2026, provided that Mr. Camara would pay for the property in four monthly installments of D200,000.

According to evidence presented to the court, Mr. Camara eventually paid the full D800,000 in four installments. Receipts submitted in the case were dated Jan. 21, May 18, June 18, and July 23, 2026.

Despite receiving the full amount, the company did not transfer the land or provide the documents associated with the sale, including a sketch plan, lease agreement, and proof of ownership, the court heard.

Mr. Camara later sought a refund. According to his evidence, he and his brother attempted to cash a D750,000 cheque issued by the defendant, but the transaction was stopped after the defendant withheld authorization and informed the bank that the cheque should not be honored.

In her ruling, Magistrate Sowe noted that the defendant had repeatedly failed to appear before the court and had presented no evidence explaining why the agreement had not been fulfilled.

The magistrate found that Mr. Camara had proved his claim on a balance of probabilities, citing Sections 141 and 143 of the Evidence Act 1994.

The court entered judgment against Ferreh Lulu Properties for D800,000, representing the amount paid for the land. It also awarded D10,000 in litigation expenses and an additional D20,000 in costs.

The total award was D830,000.