Gambia arrests paedophile

Reports reaching the Daily Observer revealed that one Antony Michael Dobson, a tourist from New Zealand has been arrested in connection with paedophilia, at his residence at Yundum Yarambamba, Kombo North, Western Region.

Mr Dobson, 61, was arrested alongside his Gambian accomplice, identified as Mustapha Drammeh, who was alleged to have fetched girls as young as below the age of 15 for exploitative child pornography.

A search at the residence of the suspect reportedly led the police to the discovery of a digital camera and a lap top containing files of pornographic pictures.

According to police, Mr Dobson has admitted taking pornographic pictures of youngsters within the Greater Banjul Area.

“The camera found in his possession, is the one he used to take pictures of the naked girls,” said Supt Malamin Ceesay, the commander of Major Crime Unit of the Gambia Police Force, during an interview with GRTS. He added that the pictures have been downloaded and printed out to assist in the investigations.

The suspects in the pornography ring may face possible charges, as child pornography is contrary to Section 8(a) of the Tourism Offences Act 2003.

According to Supt Ceesay, defilement of a girl under 15 years contravenes Section 127 Laws of The Gambia 1990, but Mustapha Drammeh, is liable to a charge of luring young girls for sex, which is contrary to Section 7(a) of the Tourism Offences Act.