Justice A.G. Coker
Five men appeared before the High Court on Tuesday to face charges in the killing of Modou Bah, whom prosecutors say was tied up, doused with gasoline, and burned alive last December in Kitty Village.
The defendants — Solomon Mendy, Zakaria Daffeh, Lamin Sowe, Saidou Jarju, and Edrisa Jawo — have been charged with four counts under an amended bill of indictment presented before Justice A.G. Coker.
According to the amended information, the State has preferred the following charges:
Count 1: Murder (Section 187, Criminal Code)
The prosecution alleges that on 8 December 2024, at Kitty Village, the accused jointly caused the death of Modou Bah by tying, beating, pouring gasoline on him, and setting him on fire, acting with malice aforethought.
Count 2: Grievous Harm (Section 214, Criminal Code)
It is alleged that the actions of the accused caused grievous bodily harm to the deceased.
Count 3: Rash or Negligent Act Causing Death (Section 221A, Criminal Code)
The State further contends that the accused acted in a rash or negligent manner that resulted in Bah’s death.
Count 4: Conspiracy to Commit a Felony (Section 368, Criminal Code)
The five men are also accused of conspiring among themselves to inflict grievous bodily harm, ultimately leading to Bah’s death.
All five accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution opened its case with Senior State Counsel Duanda leading the first witness in their evidence-in-chief, followed by cross-examination by Defence Counsel Omonokh. The detailed testimony is expected to continue in the next session.
The case has been adjourned to 3 December 2025 at 12:00 p.m. for continuation of the trial.