In Mbour, plumber I. Seck is on trial for the alleged theft of twelve natural hair wigs belonging to his cousin, A. Sall, a shopkeeper, for an estimated loss of 1.7 million CFA francs. The incident, which occurred last April in the Thiocé neighborhood, has deeply fractured the family into two irreconcilable camps who, according to L'Observateur, "now regard each other with suspicion."

According to the plaintiff, the repeated disappearance of her merchandise led her to search her family home. She claims to have found one of her wigs "hidden behind an armchair" in her cousin's bedroom, a discovery that escalated into a "violent family brawl," making any attempt at an amicable settlement impossible after opposition from the defendant's relatives. She also maintains that other items belonging to her, including silver jewelry and a bucket of paint, were found in the same room.

In court, I. Seck gave a version of events deemed inconsistent. While he admitted to going to his cousin's room, he denied the charges and claimed his presence was due to a family emergency, stating that he had come to ask for help to be called for his sick sister. He did, however, admit that a wig was found among her belongings, while defending himself by explaining that her room was accessible to everyone, as her door did not have a key.

During his initial court appearance, the same source reports, the defendant "fainted in the dock" during a trial marked by high tension. Despite his denials, the prosecution considers his "guilt undeniable" and has requested a one-year prison sentence, with six months to be served. The verdict is expected on May 21.