Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Inspector General of Police (IGP) on Tuesday discontinued charges of false broadcasting and publication against Musa Sheriff, Managing Editor, and Momodou Justice Darboe, Senior News Editor of The Voice Newspaper.

The case was raised before the High Court Annex at the Kanifing Magistrate Court Complex, where ASP Touray, representing the IGP, informed the court of the state’s application to withdraw the charges under Section 68(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code. Defense Counsel Jarrai Jeng expressed no objection to the application.

Magistrate Mben Faal affirmed the withdrawal, discharging the two journalists.

The charges stemmed from a controversial report published on September 23, 2024, by The Voice Newspaper.

The article alleged that President Adama Barrow was preparing an exit plan and had identified Muhammed Jah, CEO of QGroup Company, as his successor.

Following the publication, legal representatives of President Barrow, Ida D. Drammeh and Associates, issued a letter on September 25 demanding a retraction and an apology within 24 hours, claiming reputational damage.

Police summoned Sheriff and Darboe, leading to Darboe’s detention and Sheriff’s bail. The case, which impacted press freedom in The Gambia, highlighted ongoing tensions between media and state authorities, particularly the role of journalists in reporting officials’ partisan politics. The withdrawal of charges comes after months of investigations and legal scrutiny.