Saly: 12 million CFA francs disappear, 6 million found under the bed, the lover withdraws her complaint... The story of a bizarre trial

In Saly, a bizarre theft case involving 12 million CFA francs led to MD Dieng's arrest following accusations by his partner, DR Kanouté. Having arrived from France for a vacation and a real estate project with her longtime lover, the young woman was staying with him in the seaside resort.

But after an evening at a restaurant, according to L'Observateur, the romance quickly soured. Upon waking, the woman discovered that her envelope containing 12 million CFA francs was missing, while her lover had left at dawn. Designated as the prime suspect because he was the only one who knew the hiding place, MD Dieng was arrested and remanded in custody.

During his custody, a disturbing detail emerged: the accused asked his nephew to retrieve 6 million from under the bed in the hotel room, claiming it was a "loan to be repaid" to his partner, details the newspaper, which attended the hearing.

In court, the hearing was marked by a "spectacular turnaround," the same source noted. Presenting a letter of withdrawal, Dr. Kanouté recanted and "cleared her lover's name," stating she was convinced he was not her thief and asserting that she had "repeatedly entrusted him with large sums of money, which he returned untouched." For his part, the defendant vehemently denied the charges and justified his early morning awakening by "frustration" after his partner "refused him twice."

With the 12 million FCFA still missing, the prosecutor requested a two-year prison sentence and a 100,000 FCFA fine. The judge rejected the request for provisional release and set the verdict for September 3, 2026, according to the newspaper of the Future Media Group.