A legal complaint has been lodged against Ousmane Sonko following his controversial statements about the holy city of Touba, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute. The petition, submitted to the Public Prosecutor of the Dakar High Court, was filed by Serigne Modou Maroun Niang, a member of the Collective of Grandchildren of Serigne Touba.

In his formal complaint dated July 14, 2026, the plaintiff—a Senegalese citizen, entrepreneur, and descendant of the city’s founder—argues that Sonko’s remarks, which allegedly described Touba as a recipient of “dirty money,” constitute a severe attack on the city’s reputation and the integrity of its residents.

The complaint highlights Sonko’s public address where he claimed that illicit funds had infiltrated the sacred city. According to the plaintiff, such allegations contradict the core principles of Touba, a place founded on values of faith, honesty, justice, and diligence as taught by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba. The Collective is urging the prosecutor to launch an immediate investigation, summon Sonko for clarification, and verify the evidence supporting these claims.

The request also seeks thorough inquiries to determine whether the statements qualify as defamation, dissemination of false information, or other offenses under Senegalese law. The complainant asserts possession of substantial evidence, including video recordings, transcripts of the disputed remarks, and media publications.

This legal move arrives amid heightened political tensions surrounding Sonko’s remarks, which have sparked widespread debate. If the Public Prosecutor’s office proceeds with the complaint, it could lead to further judicial proceedings, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy.