Alpha Jallow alias Collins Nwoke
A Nigerian national accused of possessing millions in counterfeit currency was arraigned on Wednesday before Magistrate K. Baldeh at the Brusubi Magistrates’ Court, as prosecutors laid out charges related to the alleged possession and attempted use of forged banknotes.
The accused, identified as Alpha Jallow — who also goes by the alias Collins Nwoke — is facing a single count of purchasing forged banknotes, in violation of Section 334 of the Gambian Criminal Code.
According to police, Mr. Jallow was arrested Tuesday in the coastal town of Bakau after authorities discovered large sums of counterfeit currency at a private residence. The haul reportedly included CFA francs amounting to 56.3 million and U.S. dollars totaling $23.75 million.
During Wednesday’s court proceedings, Mr. Jallow entered a plea of not guilty.
Deputy Commissioner Malang Jarju, representing the prosecution, strongly objected to bail and sought an adjournment to allow the state to present witnesses and further substantiate the charges. The court granted the prosecution’s motion and ordered that Mr. Jallow be remanded at the Mile 2 Central Prison pending trial.
The matter has been adjourned until April 30, 2025, when hearings will resume.
Mr. Jallow was subsequently escorted into custody.