Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – April 14, 2025 — Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of The Gambia’s High Court has ruled that the police statements made by murder accused Mariama Jallow are admissible in her ongoing trial, declaring that the evidence showed she spoke voluntarily and her rights were fully respected.

In his ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Jaiteh emphasized that the prosecution had successfully demonstrated that the statements were obtained without coercion and in compliance with legal procedures.

The judge cited testimony from two key witnesses—police officer Alfusainey Beyai, who recorded the statements, and Modou Lamin Jatta, who was present during the interrogation. Both men told the court that Jallow was not pressured and was informed of her rights in a language she understood.

“The evidence shows that the statements were made freely and in line with the law,” Justice Jaiteh said, underscoring that there was no indication of force, threats, or inducement in the manner the statements were taken.

The ruling followed a voir dire (a mini-trial within the trial) ordered by the court to assess the admissibility of the statements after Jallow’s defense team objected, arguing they were not given voluntarily.

The defense had claimed that Jallow was pressured into confessing and that the statements should be excluded. However, Justice Jaiteh found the claims unsubstantiated, siding with the prosecution’s position that due process was followed.

Case Background

Mariama Jallow is on trial for the alleged murder of 16-year-old Cherno Manneh, who was fatally stabbed in the chest with a knife on November 29, 2023, in Brufut Santosu, West Coast Region. She is charged with a single count of murder, contrary to Section 187 of the Criminal Code, and has pleaded not guilty.

The trial, which has drawn considerable public interest, is now entering a crucial phase. With the admissibility of Jallow’s statements confirmed, the court will continue hearing substantive evidence in the coming weeks.

So far, the prosecution has called four witnesses, including police officers involved in the investigation. One officer attempted to tender the disputed cautionary and voluntary statements during his testimony, prompting the defense’s objection and the subsequent voir dire.

Justice Jaiteh’s ruling now clears the way for the statements to be admitted as part of the prosecution’s evidence against Jallow. The trial continues.