In a dramatic turn of events at the trial for the shooting of police officers, Ousainou Bojang took the stand to give his testimony, denying the charges against him and alleging mistreatment by the police.
Bojang, a resident of Brufut, is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, committing a terrorist act, and assault causing grievous bodily harm. His sister, Amie Bojang, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
The prosecution alleges that on September 12, 2023, at the Sukuta traffic lights, Bojang shot three police personnel with a gun, resulting in the death of two officers and leaving another with life-threatening injuries. Bojang denied these allegations in court.
The trial took a dramatic turn when Bojang detailed his alleged mistreatment by the police. He claimed that he was beaten and drugged by the police at the time of obtaining his statement, casting doubt on the validity of his confession.
During cross-examination by Defence Counsel Lamin J. Darboe, Bojang recounted several encounters with police officers, including being taken out of his cell at the airport police station and brought to the CID office, where he was informed of the charges against him. Bojang maintained that he did not agree to the charges and was not coerced into confessing.
Bojang also described a harrowing experience where he was taken to an office late at night, given coffee, and subsequently felt dizzy and lost awareness of his body. He claimed that he was then returned to his cell without being aware of how he got there.
In response to questioning, Bojang stated that he never confessed to the crimes he is accused of, even after alleged mistreatment by police officers.
The court adjourned the case to the next day for the cross-examination of Bojang by the Director of Public Prosecution, A.M Yusuf.
The trial continues as the court seeks to unravel the truth behind the shooting incident and the circumstances surrounding Bojang’s alleged confession.
