The criminal chamber of the Thiès High Court heard the case on Tuesday, February 24th, between farmer I. Seydi, over 50 years old, and a 12-year-old girl, for rape, pedophilia, and abduction of a minor. The events date back to 2023 in Fass Boye, in the Tivaouane department.

In court, in the absence of the victim, the defendant admitted to having had sexual relations with a girl he identified as Ivone Mané, while claiming not to know the victim presented in the case file as Fatou Mané. He stated that the young woman was consenting and justified his actions by referring to a romantic relationship.

“I was in love with this girl. Our houses are next to each other. I had decided to marry her. When I told her father, he said he would talk to her mother first. The girl would then come to my house to make me tea. It was during these times that we had sexual relations on several occasions. I never forced her. I took advantage of my wife’s absence to sleep with this girl,” the defendant confessed.

According to the investigation, when the teenager became pregnant, the accused allegedly gave her medication to induce an abortion.

Confusion over identity and referral of the case

The victim's father clarified that it was the same person and that Ivone Mané is also known as Fatou Mané. "When I noticed a change in my daughter's appearance, I asked her if I. Seydi was sleeping with her, and she said no. A few days later, I noticed she was gaining weight. I then alerted her mother, who took her to the hospital."

The medical examination revealed that she was pregnant. When questioned about the perpetrator, she cited I. Seydi,” said the father.

The defendant, however, continues to maintain that he has never known Fatou Mané, thus creating confusion in the case. The defense requested a postponement to allow the victim to appear. The judge ultimately adjourned the case until June 9, 2026, to hear Fatou Mané, who is currently in Casamance.