By Fatou Gassama
Modou Lamin Baldeh, a businessman has been found guilty of unlawfully converting and stealing five 20-foot containers of ceramic wall tiles valued at D12,075,000.
The prosecution alleged that between April and July 2024, Baldeh stole five 20-foot containers of ceramic wall tiles valued at US$175,000, belonging to one Mam Begay S Jagne, who was representing her business partner, Amadou Ganilla.
The court heard that the containers arrived in The Gambia in November 2023 but remained uncleared due to financial disagreements. After Mrs Jagne settled the outstanding shipping, customs and port charges in May 2024, she appointed her brother, Assan to oversee the goods and introduced Baldeh to help find buyers.
Jagne testified that she agreed to sell all five containers for US$175,000 on the condition that any transaction would take place in the presence of her brother. She later became uncomfortable with Baldeh’s handling of the matter and when her brother attempted to inspect the warehouse, access was denied. After gaining entry, they found the warehouse empty.
Jagne said Baldeh promised to pay the money but never did which prompted her to report the matter to the police. Clearing agent Suaibou Sanneh, warehouse owner Alagie Muhammed Waggeh and two buyers Omar Jeng and Abdou Karim Sowe testified in the court.
In his defence, Baldeh denied theft. He claimed he was authorised to sell the tiles and spent money on transport, warehouse rent and labour, which he was to recover from sales proceeds. He called two witnesses.
Magistrate Krubally in his judgement held that Baldeh clandestinely sold the tiles with the absolute intention of permanently depriving the owner of his money and rejected the claim that it was a commercial dispute. He sentenced Baldeh to a fine of D100,000, in default to serve one year in prison and also ordered him to pay D12,075,000 to Mam Begay S Jagne, in default to serve four years in prison and D500,000, as restitution.