Guédiawaye : le marabout-éleveur, les douaniers infiltrés et la mystérieuse mallette
Held in pretrial detention since January 23, 2024, Ch. Oumar, also known as Ch. I. Niass, appeared in court on charges of criminal conspiracy, counterfeiting, smuggling, and illegal possession of a firearm. Described as a cattle rancher married to four wives and father of 17 children, and close to a religious family in Kaolack, he faces a five-year prison sentence.
According to the official report consulted by L'Observateur, the case came to light following an undercover operation conducted by Customs. The agents allegedly placed an order for 300 million CFA francs in counterfeit bills with the accused. During the course of the discussions, the suspected counterfeiter reportedly claimed he could supply them with over two billion. A search of his home led to the discovery of a briefcase containing nearly one billion in counterfeit currency.
The defendant, however, attributed the briefcase to El Ha Ndao, who was described as being on the run. According to the newspaper, he initially told investigators that Ndao was capable of conjuring large sums of money in euros and dollars through mystical practices, notably in exchange for the purchase of a 3 million CFA franc perfume. In court, however, Ch. I. Niass recanted, denying having made such statements.
The case also includes an aspect related to the possession of a firearm without authorization, the same source notes. The defendant admitted to the facts, claiming that the weapon had been presented to him as a replica and that he kept it to protect his Ladoum sheep herd. For the prosecution, the lack of administrative authorization is sufficient to constitute the offense.
Appearing frail at the hearing and leaning on a crutch, Ch. I. Niass spoke of the impact of his incarceration on his personal life: two operations, the loss of his flock of about a hundred sheep, the departure of his wives, and the disintegration of his family. "Two years and seven months in prison have destroyed my life," he declared, pleading for leniency from the court.
This plea failed to convince the prosecution. The newspaper of the Future Media Group reports that the prosecutor requested the defendant's conviction on all charges, prompting tears from several relatives in the courtroom. The defense, which contests the charge of conspiracy and demands the questioning of individuals presented as fugitives, was denied provisional release for its client. The case was adjourned for deliberation until September 8.
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