The Kanifing Magistrate’s Court has begun hearing evidence in a defilement case against Muhammad Sillah, who is charged under Section 5(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2013. The charge relates to the alleged carnal knowledge of a 17-year-old girl between June and July 2024.
In her testimony, the minor, speaking in Wolof, described two separate incidents of sexual assault. She stated that she was introduced to the accused through a mutual friend on WhatsApp and that they later communicated directly.
The court heard that prior to a school prom, the accused allegedly advised her to tell her mother he was a classmate so he could attend as her date. Days before the event, she claimed he led her to a secluded garage in Old Jeshwang under the pretence of discussing prom arrangements.
There, she testified, he produced a condom and used physical force to restrain her against a vehicle. She stated she returned home bleeding but did not disclose the assault.
A second alleged incident occurred at the accused’s compound in Kanifing South. The witness said the accused pressured her into further sexual activity by insisting that, since he had already “disvirgined” her, she should comply as he intended to marry her.
The matter came to light nearly two months later when the victim’s mother observed her daughter’s distressed behaviour and reported it to Kairaba Police Station. During proceedings, the victim also alleged that a female police officer, Fatou Bojang, asked her to alter her initial statement in private.
Acting as his own counsel, Muhammad Sillah vehemently denied all charges during cross-examination, claiming the case was fabricated by the victim and her mother. “I put it to you that all evidence you have given this court is untrue, apart from the prom,” Sillah stated. He contested the location of the first alleged assault, arguing it was implausible given the victim’s residence at the time.
The exchange grew contentious when Sillah suggested the prosecution was motivated by an unmet financial demand from the victim’s family, alleging they had refused to pay a settlement. The victim countered that her mother declined an out-of-court resolution due to the seriousness of the offence and presented purported text messages in which Sillah begged for forgiveness and proposed marriage to settle the matter.
The case has been adjourned until January 13, 2026, for the testimony of a second witness.
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