A young man from Sare Biran, Lower River Region, may face a lengthy prison sentence following his arrest for allegedly marrying a Grade 6 pupil from Soma Lowe Basic School.
According to reports, the man had been in a sexual relationship with the underage girl prior to the marriage, which was reportedly sanctioned by some village elders and held at the local mosque.
A village source claimed, “They tried to separate them but failed. Eventually, the elders believed that marrying the pair was the best way to avoid a potential pregnancy that could bring shame to the community.”
However, after the wedding was reported by What’s On-Gambia, law enforcement intervened. The man, along with his parents, the girl’s parents, and several elders involved in the ceremony, were arrested and later released on bail.
Following a completed investigation, police have now filed charges against those involved. Child marriage is prohibited under the Children’s (Amendment) Act, 2016, specifically Sections 24(b) and (c), which criminalize the practice.
An insider at the Police Headquarters stated: “We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness. Everyone who played a role in officiating the marriage has been charged – the groom, the girl’s parents, the messenger, and the elders who witnessed the event.”
If convicted, the husband may serve a lengthy prison term at either Mile 2 or Janjangbureh Prison. Police are also investigating whether the marriage was consummated. If confirmed, the man could face an additional charge of statutory rape.