The Gambian police have announced the arrest of several persons in connection with armed robbery at a Banjul business, leading to the recovery of a significant portion of the stolen funds.
Following a public appeal on Saturday to locate the perpetrators of an armed robbery in the capital, the Gambian police reported multiple arrests and the seizure of over 1.2 million dalasis (abour $23,500) and 1.6 million CFA francs (about $2,600), totaling over $26,000.
The authorities stated that two armed men entered El Hella Shop on Hegan Street in Banjul around 9:08 AM, threatening a customer who was carrying a substantial amount of cash. The assailants fled in a gray BMW, later switching vehicles at Sting Corner to divide the loot.
The police investigation swiftly led to the apprehension of the first suspect, Ousainou Jobarteh, an Ivorian national residing in Busumbala.
Investigators recovered 70,250 dalasis (about $1,400) and 465,000 CFA francs (about $731) from his residence. During questioning, Jobarteh implicated Abdoulie Jallow, 24, the owner of the BMW used in the robbery.
Jallow was later arrested in Serekunda Villa along with his girlfriend. The officers seized 198,000 dalasis in cash (about $3,900) and discovered 24,000 dalasis (about $475) in his mobile account. The investigation also identified several accomplices who had received portions of the stolen money, including Tida Nyang and Odile Secka, a resident of Banjul.
In a related but separate case, the authorities confirmed the arrest in Guinea-Bissau of Ansu Jarju, a Gambian national wanted for his alleged involvement in the Access Bank robbery in Brusubi. The suspect was handed over to the Gambian authorities as part of bilateral cooperation.
The police continue their investigation to determine potential links between these armed robbery cases and urge the public to remain vigilant.
AC/sf/lb/gik/APA