Project Manager Convicted of Squandering Charity Funds
Project manager, Ebrima Ceesay, has been convicted by the Banjul Magistrates’ Court for the fraudulent disposal of over 6 million dalasis belonging to a UK-based charity.
Principal Magistrate M. Krubally, the court sentenced One Ebrima Ceesay ( following his voluntary guilty plea to charges of breaching the trust of the Unique Children’s Organisation.
The court heard that between 2023 and 2024, the UK charity Unique Children’s Charity Organization, deposited D7,650,000 (equivalent to £100,000) into an Ecobank account for the construction of a school facility in Gunjur village.
The project was intended to include eight-classroom blocks, an administrative block and reception, football pitch and toilets. As the sole signatory and project manager Ebrima Ceesay was entrusted with these funds.
The police investigations revealed that while he spent approximately D1.47 million on the project, he diverted and converted the remaining D6,071,040 to his personal use.
Ebrima Ceesay initially appeared unrepresented and chose to speak in English. While he pleaded guilty to Count 1 (Fraudulent Disposal of Trust Property), he pleaded not guilty to a second charge of Stealing, arguing that his actions did not legally constitute stealing.
During the sentencing defense counsel A. Sanneh entered a plea of mitigation, urging the court to temper justice with mercy.
Counsel Sanneh highlighted that Ceesay is a first-time offender with no prior criminal record and described him as a young, married man who serves as the sole breadwinner for his family.
Counsel Sanneh further argued that by admitting to the facts at the earliest opportunity, Ebrima Ceesay demonstrated genuine remorse and saved the court’s valuable time and resources.
Additionally, Counsel Sanneh indicated that Ebrima Ceesay is currently a university student and was in the process of coordinating scholarships for 150 Gambian students, a responsibility he would be unable to fulfill if handed a custodial sentence.
In his sentencing Magistrate Krubally described the breach of trust as “horrible” and “disheartening”. However, citing the principle of reforming first-time offenders, Magistrate Krubally opted for a fine instead of immediate custodial sentencing.
Magistrate Krubally sentenced Ebrima Ceesay to a fine of D50,000 or serve one year in prison, a compensation to pay D6,100,000 to the charity.
On the recovery of missing D6,071,040 Magistrate Krubally stated Ebrima Ceesay will be paid in installments starting with D1.1 million on November 30, 2025, followed by D1 million monthly through April 2026.
Failure to meet the payment schedule will result in five years of imprisonment.
Magistrate Krubally granted Ebrima Ceesay bail under strict conditions, including the provision of two sureties and the deposit of title deeds worth the judgment sum, to allow him to raise the funds.
The matter is scheduled to return to court on Friday, 14th November, 2025, for the hearing of Count 2 (Stealing), which he denied.
By Kexx News Kexx News
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