Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The High Court in Banjul has adjourned the ongoing defamation case filed by prominent Gambian lawyer Amie Bensouda against former Janneh Commission Executive Secretary Mamadi Kurang after the defense signaled plans to challenge the court’s jurisdiction.

At Thursday’s sitting, Counsel Combeh Gaye, representing Ms. Bensouda, informed the court that the plaintiff had filed two statements of claim.

In response, defense lawyer A.J. Njie told the court that they would submit their statement of defense by Monday and intended to raise an objection on jurisdiction.

Counsel Gaye noted that the plaintiff would await the outcome of the jurisdictional objection before making any further submissions. The case has been adjourned to 17 November 2025 at 11:30 a.m.

The defamation suit, which has drawn national attention, stems from comments made by Mr. Kurang regarding Ms. Bensouda’s conduct during the Janneh Commission, the public inquiry that investigated former President Yahya Jammeh’s financial dealings.

Ms. Bensouda, who served as Lead Counsel to the Commission, is seeking D144 million in damages, alleging that Mr. Kurang made false and defamatory statements that tarnished her integrity and professional reputation.

Mr. Kurang, for his part, insists that his remarks were made in good faith and within his constitutional right to free expression. He maintains that his comments were intended to highlight procedural and ethical concerns in the Commission’s work.