Two Men Plead Guilty in Forged Banknote Cases, One Sentenced and Another Awaiting Judgment

One of Accused. Photo Credit: Kexx Sanneh

Two men accused of purchasing forged banknotes have pleaded guilty in separate court proceedings held this week, with one already sentenced and the other awaiting final judgment.

Alpha Jallow, who also goes by the alias Collins Nwoke, was convicted by Magistrate Kebba Baldeh at the Brusubi Magistrates’ Court after reversing an earlier not-guilty plea. Jallow had initially denied the single count charge of purchasing forged currency, prompting the prosecution to prepare to present its first witness.

However, during proceedings on Tuesday, Jallow unexpectedly changed his plea to guilty. Following the change, Deputy Commissioner Malang Jarju, who led the prosecution, recounted the details of the case, which the defendant confirmed as accurate.

Magistrate Baldeh subsequently convicted Jallow as charged and imposed a fine of D100,000. Failure to pay will result in a six-year custodial sentence.

In a related case, Cherno Bah was arraigned before Magistrate Isatou Jallow on a similar charge under Section 334 of the Criminal Code. The charge was read to Bah in the Wolof language, and he entered a guilty plea.

The court adjourned Bah’s case to May 5, 2025, to allow the prosecution to present the facts and for sentencing to take place. Until then, Bah has been remanded in custody.

Deputy Commissioner Jarju is also leading the prosecution in Bah’s case.