Fifty-nine-year-old construction contractor Mr. Babou appeared in court this week on fraud charges. He is being prosecuted for having improperly received 7 million FCFA from K. Guèye in connection with a fraudulent land transaction.

According to the prosecution, the defendant sold a plot of land located in Keur Massamba Guèye 2, in the municipality of Fandène, to the plaintiff, even though he was not the owner. To bolster the credibility of the transaction and reassure the buyer, Mr. Babou allegedly provided him with falsified documents attesting to his ownership of the plot.

One plot of land, three "owners"

The truth came to light when K. Guèye began the initial construction work. A third party then appeared on the site claiming ownership of the land. Seeking to clarify the situation, the victim contacted the Fandène town hall. Municipal services revealed that the land belonged neither to K. Guèye nor to the new claimant, thus confirming the disputed nature of the area.

In court, Mr. Babou attempted to justify himself by claiming that the plot of land originally belonged to an emigrant residing in the United States, named Daouda Diop. He maintains that he acted in good faith, based on a power of attorney that the latter allegedly entrusted to him to carry out the sale.

Believing that the constituent elements of the offense of fraud are present, the public prosecutor has requested the strict application of criminal law against the entrepreneur.

The court has taken the case under advisement and will deliver its verdict soon.