Ex-Soldier Pleads Guilty to Killing Elderly Woman in Brikama

By Isatou Sarr

A 36-year-old former soldier, Sulayman Saidykhan, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing an elderly woman in Brikama, West Coast Region.

Saidykhan appeared before Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court without legal representation. Sgt. 4422 M.J. Sallah appeared for the Inspector General of Police.

He faces a charge of murder contrary to Section 115 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025. Prosecutors said Saidykhan struck 75-year-old Fatou Sambou on the head and other parts of her body with a piece of wood on 2 December 2025, behind the Power Station in Brikama, causing her death.

When asked to respond to the charge, Saidykhan admitted guilt, reportedly telling the court: “It was a mistake.”

Following the plea, Prosecutor Sallah requested that the case be transferred to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court, citing that the offence exceeded the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court. Magistrate Mendy agreed and ordered that the matter be forwarded to the Chief Justice for reassignment. She also directed that the accused be remanded pending his next appearance. Saidykhan is expected to face a full trial before the Special Criminal Division.

In a related development, the Gambia Police Force provided updates on the suspect, identified as a 26-year-old native of Bakary Sambouya. During the investigation, Saidykhan reportedly made disclosures contradicting his initial statements. He had earlier claimed to be a former member of The Gambia Armed Forces dismissed in 2014 for drug-related offenses but later admitted this was false, stating he only lived at Yundum Barracks with his brother, who is no longer serving in the military.

Authorities also noted that the military trousers he wore at the time of his arrest were provided by a friend.

The Gambia Police Force assured the public of its commitment to a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation, with further updates to follow as the case progresses.

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 By Isatou Sarr A 36-year-old former soldier, Sulayman Saidykhan, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing an elderly woman in…
The post Ex-Soldier Pleads Guilty to Killing Elderly Woman in Brikama appeared first on .