BRIKAMA, THE GAMBIA — A Gambian man has been remanded in custody at the Mile 2 prison after pleading guilty to severely assaulting his wife and causing serious injury to her eye because he was dissatisfied with the dinner she served him.
The defendant, Lamin Badjie, appeared before the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 2, 2026. He pleaded guilty to the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm. Following his plea, the court ordered Badjie to pay a fine of D100,000 and an additional D100,000 in compensation to his wife. He was subsequently remanded to the central prison.
Domestic Dispute Escalates to Violence
The incident took place last week at the couple’s residence in Foni Mandina. According to the victim, Fatou Sanneh, the violent altercation began on Tuesday night following an argument over the evening meal.
"My husband was out, and when he came home, he asked me to serve him dinner," Sanneh explained. "I gave him nyankatang (plain boiled rice) mixed with benachin (Jollof rice), but while he was eating, he kept complaining that he didn't want the food. I asked if he wanted nyankatang by itself, but he continued complaining."
Sanneh stated that Badjie then requested water. As she left to fetch it, he spat on her. After she handed him the water and attempted to walk away, Badjie allegedly followed her, threw the food bowl to the ground, and began physically assaulting her.
Although Badjie’s aunt briefly intervened and pulled Sanneh away, the confrontation resumed moments later.
"I told him that a man who beats his wife does not live long," Sanneh said. "He became even angrier and started beating me again until he injured my eye."
Victim Hospitalized, Defendant Arrested
Sanneh sustained severe trauma to one of her eyes during the attack. She was initially rushed to the Kanilai Health Centre for emergency medical attention before being referred to the Bwiam General Hospital, where she was admitted overnight for treatment.
Following the report of the assault, Badjie was arrested by local authorities and transferred to the Brikama Police Station before his formal arraignment on Thursday.
The couple share two children together.
