A $673 million scam or a mystical conspiracy? The bizarre trial of Gambian Adji Séra Trera against her supplier

Gambian businesswoman Adji Séra Trera, detained in Senegal since April 30, 2026, appeared this Thursday before the trial chamber of the financial judicial pool, ruling on matters of flagrant offenses. She is being prosecuted for fraud involving the colossal sum of 673,800,000 FCFA to the detriment of her supplier, Modou Ndiaye.

In court, the plaintiff, Modou Ndiaye, a merchant residing in Bargny, recounted at length the origins of their relationship, which began in April 2023 through a third-party merchant based in Touba. After a successful initial transaction of 55 tons of rice, a relationship of trust was established. But things quickly began to unravel. According to the plaintiff, Ms. Trera initially accumulated a debt of 220 million CFA francs. To reassure him and secure further deliveries, she dangled the prospect of a portfolio of reliable clients. Modou Ndiaye then delivered an additional 340 million CFA francs worth of rice and milk, bringing the debt to 560 million CFA francs. Invited to The Gambia to collect payment, the supplier claims he was "strung along" for 33 days, with the defendant finally admitting to having invested the money in 27 containers shipped from Europe.

Despite his initial reluctance, Modou Ndiaye relented again following the intervention of the defendant's brother, Abdoulaye Téra, who was based in Dakar. A protocol was then signed for the delivery of 330 tons of rice worth 112.2 million FCFA. However, 74.8 million FCFA was never paid for this transaction.

The latest transaction is almost like something out of a movie: Adji Séra Trera convinced Modou Ndiaye to lend him 39 million FCFA to clear a shipment of 15,000 bags of rice through customs in The Gambia, promising to repay him 150 million FCFA on April 15, 2026. A promise never kept. As proof of his good faith, the plaintiff submitted to the court an acknowledgment of debt for the unpaid invoices as well as checks issued without sufficient funds.

While Adji Séra Trera readily admits to owing the 673,800,000 FCFA, she firmly denies the fraud accusation. "Since 2023, I have paid him billions in rice sales. But each time, I lose money when exchanging the CFA franc for dalasi," she argued.

The defendant also accuses the supplier of delivering poor quality rice, which was rejected by her Gambian customers, plunging her into immense financial difficulties despite taking out a bank loan.

The trial took an unusual turn when the issue of mysticism and corruption entered the proceedings. There were tense exchanges between the lawyers for each side. The judge suspended the hearing.

Upon resuming proceedings, the defendant claimed to have been "bewitched," explaining that Modou Ndiaye himself had put her in touch with his own marabout for prayers, even paying her one million CFA francs. The plaintiff partially admitted to this in court, stating that he had simply put her in contact with a spiritual guide to "help" her.

Criminal offense or simple commercial dispute?

For the plaintiff, attorney Ousseynou Ngom argued that the fraud charge was clearly established. According to him, the defendant knowingly displayed her considerable financial resources at the beginning of their relationship in order to better ensnare and deceive her client. His colleague, attorney Abdy Nar Ndiaye, requested one billion CFA francs in damages for all causes and losses combined.

The public prosecutor, for his part, requested the application of criminal law.

The defense argued for outright acquittal. Attorney Youssou Camara maintained that no fraudulent scheme had been implemented, as the two parties had conducted regular business for two years.

Taking a more aggressive stance, El Hadji Diouf denounced a trap, asserting that his client had been "held captive" and forcibly taken to the police station. "It was Modou who put her in this predicament by sending her poor-quality rice. He used a spell on her, which is why she was selling at a loss. Then, he put her in touch with his marabout for prayers. That's how he tricked her into coming to Senegal," the renowned lawyer insisted. According to Diouf, this is a purely commercial matter.

Before the closing arguments, Mr. El Hadji Diouf requested the provisional release of the Gambian businesswoman. After the prosecution deferred to the court's judgment, the judge rejected the request.

The court has adjourned the case for deliberation. Adji Séra Trera's fate will be decided on June 18, 2026.