An investigation into the reported theft of a Rolex Oyster watch from the Pullman Dakar hotel has expanded into a drug case after police reviewed hotel surveillance footage, according to local news reports.
Origins of the Investigation at the Pullman Dakar Hotel
The sequence of events began on September 1, 2026, when 35-year-old Malian businessman Sidi Mouhamed reported the disappearance of his Rolex Oyster watch to the Dakar-Ville brigade, according to reports published by outlets including Dakaractu. The businessman stated that he originally planned to spend the weekend of August 28 to August 29 in Saly alongside his friend Abou Daffé, a 32-year-old international company manager, and Fatou Diallo, a 30-year-old businesswoman known as “Fafa.”
Fatou Diallo had invited several acquaintances, including 24-year-old student Aissatou Goudiaby and 28-year-old actress Ndèye Ndao Thiam—widely known as “Nogaye” from the television series “Bété Bété.” Due to rainfall, the group cancelled the Saly trip and instead checked into room 325 at the Pullman Dakar hotel.
According to the police report detailed in the sources, the group gathered in the room around 23:00 to eat and listen to music. Sidi Mouhamed stated that he placed his bag containing the watch between two beds. Around 05:00, Abou Daffé, Aissatou Goudiaby, and Ndèye Ndao Thiam left for another room, with Ndèye Ndao Thiam briefly returning minutes later to say goodbye. Sidi Mouhamed reported falling asleep shortly thereafter, waking up around 07:30, and leaving the room while Fatou Diallo remained asleep. The group departed the hotel on August 30 around 13:00. Later that day, Sidi Mouhamed noticed the watch was missing and filed a complaint against X after failing to recover it.
Surveillance Footage and the Discovery of Nitrous Oxide
While the participants initially denied taking the watch during police questioning, hotel security footage shifted the focus of the investigation, according to the sourced reports. Police officers reviewing the video noticed sequences showing members of the group inhaling nitrous oxide from balloons.
This discovery prompted investigators to execute a search warrant on September 2 at 16:00 at the home of Fatou Diallo in Les Mamelles. Officers recovered six used nitrous oxide canisters and ten additional balloons at the property. During subsequent questioning regarding the substances, Ndèye Ndao Thiam stated she used the gas once before stopping due to stomach pain. Aissatou Goudiaby acknowledged consuming the substance and stated that Abou Daffé used her phone to place an order. Fatou Diallo told investigators that Abou Daffé purchased the canisters through a delivery service for consumption during the Pullman gathering, though some suspects contested these claims.
Did You Know? The investigation into the missing Rolex Oyster watch shifted dramatically toward narcotics enforcement after police analysts spotted guests using balloons on the Pullman Dakar hotel’s security cameras.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Against the Five Defendants
Following the completion of police auditions, the five individuals were placed under a warrant of committal and referred to the Dakar prosecutor’s office for a hearing before the Dakar flagrant delicts court, as detailed by the reporting outlets. The charges vary significantly among the defendants based on their alleged involvement in both the property dispute and the drug consumption.
Ndèye Ndao Thiam, Aissatou Goudiaby, and Sidi Mouhamed face allegations related to drug use. Abou Daffé is prosecuted for offering and supplying narcotics.
Potential Legal Scenarios and Next Steps
Keep reading