A Gambian man living in the United Kingdom is facing life imprisonment after admitting to the brutal killing of his wife in their Edinburgh home.
Momodou Bobb, 56, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh to murdering his wife, Ndata Secka, a 42-year-old Gambian woman and mother of four. The killing took place between 27 and 28 August 2025 in the family’s residence in the Restalrig area, while their children were inside the house.
According to prosecutors, the victim was stabbed at least 22 times in a sustained and violent attack. She suffered injuries to her face, head, neck, chest, back, arms and abdomen. A post-mortem confirmed that she died from a deep stab wound to the neck that severed a major vein.
The court heard that Bobb initially claimed the incident was accidental, saying the couple had been fighting and that the knife “slipped.” However, he later admitted to repeatedly stabbing his wife.
Emergency services responded after a distress call reporting a domestic fight. Police officers arriving at the scene found Bobb partially dressed and covered in blood. Two blood-stained knives were recovered from the home.
Despite efforts by first responders and paramedics to save her life, Ndata was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
A witness told the court they heard the victim crying out “leave me alone” shortly before she collapsed.
Presiding judge Lady Haldane described the incident as a tragic loss, noting that the victim was deeply loved by her family. Ndata Secka was one of 15 siblings and had moved from The Gambia to the UK in 2018 after marrying Bobb in 2015.
The couple had three children together, in addition to one child from her previous relationship.
The court also heard that Bobb, who has lived in the UK since 1995, was previously diagnosed with throat cancer and could barely speak when police arrived at the scene.
In Scotland, a conviction for murder carries an automatic life sentence. However, the court will later determine the minimum term he must serve before he can apply for parole.
Sentencing has been deferred pending further reports.
