During Ousainou Bojang’s trial, Counsel Lamin J. Darboe revealed alleged threats from anti-crime officers, Sub-Inspector Jobe and Musa Bah, demanding the disclosure of the murder weapon’s location.

This disclosure came to light during the voir dire (Trial within Trial) of the Sukuta Jabang Traffic Lights murder case, raising concerns about the circumstances under which Bojang’s statements were obtained. Darboe suggested coercion, including the use of drugs and physical abuse.

However, Police Investigator Ebou Sowe refuted these claims, stating that Bojang was neither beaten nor drugged during his time at the Police Anti-Crime Unit from September 13th to 23rd, 2023.

During cross-examination, Darboe insisted that his client had indeed been subjected to beatings and death threats by the two officers. Sowe confirmed Bojang’s presence at the Anti-Crime Unit but denied any knowledge of the alleged threats or beatings.

Sowe identified members of the panel during Bojang’s interrogation, including Chief Inspector Yero Saidy, Inspector Ceesay, Inspector Jamanka, Superintendent Lamin Cham, Boto Keita, and others.

Darboe raised concerns about the lack of an independent witness during Bojang’s initial interrogation. Sowe admitted that there was no independent witness present during the first interrogation but claimed that Bojang was always reminded of his right to remain silent.

Despite Darboe’s persistent questioning, Sowe maintained that Bojang was never beaten or drugged during his time in custody. He also denied knowledge of the alleged threats made by Sub-Inspector Jobe and Musa Bah.

Justice Jaiteh then ordered Detective Ebou Sowe to provide an information diary for September 13th, 2023, following an application by defense counsel LK Mboge for the second accused person in the ongoing voir dire trial. Despite objections from the Director of Public Prosecution, Justice Jaiteh overruled the objection, stating the matter was straightforward.

The trial continues today, with the defense seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding Bojang’s statements and the conduct of the police during his interrogation.

Background of the Case

On September 21, 2023, Ousainou and Amie Bojang appeared before Principal Magistrate Omar Jabang of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, facing charges related to the shooting incident at Sukuta Jabang Traffic Lights, which resulted in the deaths of two PIU officers and severe injury to another on September 12, 2023.

The case was transferred to the Special Criminal Division of the High Court of The Gambia, where it is currently being heard by Hon. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh. Both Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.