Dakar’s criminal court has postponed a verdict in the case involving alleged signature forgery linked to former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The decision comes after prosecutors requested additional time to review evidence, pushing the ruling to July 23, 2026, instead of the originally scheduled date of July 9, 2026. The delay follows the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as a presumed accomplice in the investigation.
The court also denied bail for the defendant, Khardiata Tandian, despite arguments from her legal team that she meets all criteria for provisional release. Her lawyer emphasized her prolonged pre-trial detention—exceeding a year—as well as her family responsibilities, noting she is married with a child. The defense further argued that the time already served could effectively cover any potential sentence, and further incarceration would severely destabilize her personal and professional life.
Prosecutors vigorously contested the bail request, asserting that releasing Khardiata Tandian could pose a risk to public order and undermine judicial proceedings. They claimed she lacked sufficient assurances of appearing for future court dates, despite the defense’s contention that no witness intimidation risks exist since the defendant has already testified. The court ultimately sided with the prosecution, ordering her continued detention pending the final judgment.
