The Criminal Court of Kédougou has delivered its verdict in a sensitive case involving pedophilia and abduction of a minor without the use of force or violence. Following the proceedings, Ansoumana Ibrahima Keïta and Adama Cissé were found guilty and sentenced to five (5) years' imprisonment, with the sentences to be served concurrently.

The events date back to 2024, according to statements from the person legally responsible for the victim. In court, the victim explained that she was alerted by her own daughter, who woke her to tell her what had happened. Given the seriousness of the accusations, the plaintiff requested a gynecological examination, whose medical certificate confirmed the existence of sexual intercourse.

When questioned by the court, the victim stated that she had sexual relations for the first time with Adama Cissé, and twice with Ansoumana Ibrahima Keïta. These statements constituted key elements of the case examined by the criminal court.

For the prosecution, the acts of pedophilia were clearly established. It emphasized that the defendants had admitted to having sexual relations with minors and could not have been unaware that they were dealing with them. Considering the consistency and seriousness of the acts, the prosecution requested a five-year prison sentence for both defendants.

The defense, led by Mr. Ndiaye, pleaded the good faith of his clients, maintaining that they were unaware of the girls' true ages, which they estimated to be between 18 and 20 years old. The lawyer thus requested a lenient application of the law.

After deliberation, the Criminal Chamber followed the prosecution's recommendations. The two defendants were found guilty and sentenced to five years' imprisonment. The court also acknowledged the withdrawal of the civil party's claim, while ordering the defendants to pay costs, along with the maximum possible term of imprisonment for debt.