Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Amie Bojang, the second accused in the Sukuta–Jabang Traffic Light shooting case, took the witness stand on Tuesday as the first defense witness (PW1). She is charged with helping her brother, Ousainou Bojang, flee the country after he allegedly shot and killed two Police Intervention Unit (PIU) officers on 12 September 2023.

Speaking through tears, Amie recounted how she came to be arrested and why she now stands trial.

‘He Came to Me With a Problem’

Amie, born in Brufut but married and residing in Yundum, said she vividly remembers the day everything changed. She testified that on 12 September 2023, her brother Ousainou came to her home distressed.

He told her he had spent D40,000 belonging to his white girlfriend, who was now threatening to post his nude photos online if he did not repay her.

“I told him we would try to find the money and pay her,” Amie said. “But Ousainou was scared the woman would destroy his life.”

Amie said she contacted their sister in Kolda, Senegal, to ask if Ousainou could stay there and consult a marabout. Although the sister was in Kanilai for a funeral, she promised to collect him later.

But Ousainou wanted immediate spiritual help. Amie said she begged him to go home and calm down, and he agreed.

Arranging the Trip to Senegal

The next morning, while shopping in Brikama market, Amie said Ousainou called again, insisting she arrange transport for him to travel to Senegal because the woman continued to pressure him.

Amie said she hired an ash-colored taxi for D1,100 and met Ousainou at her husband’s compound in Brufut, where electricians were working. They both boarded the taxi. The car was stopped and searched by PIU officers at Sukuta Turntable, the Sukuta Traffic Light and Airport Junction, but the officers found nothing and allowed them to proceed.

At Yundum junction, Amie attempted to get down to return home and cook, but Ousainou urged her to accompany him to Brikama. She agreed.

According to her, the discussion in the taxi revolved solely around Ousainou’s problem with his girlfriend.

The Journey to Darsilameh

At Brikama garage, the taxi driver explained that passengers heading to the border normally take motorbikes from Darsilameh. He offered to drive them there for a small additional fee. Amie and Ousainou agreed, as neither knew the place.

At Darsilameh around 1 p.m., the driver showed them where motorbikes heading to Jululung were parked. Amie said Ousainou paid D250 for a bike, as the rainy season had made the road difficult.

Before leaving, Ousainou handed her a black bag containing his national ID card and passport, saying he would return the next day.

Amie returned with the same taxi to Brikama, paid a total of D2,100, and then headed back to Yundum.

News of Ousainou’s Arrest

That evening, while selling ebeh, her neighbor called and urged her to check social media. Amie bought data and found Ousainou’s photo circulating in the Brufut WhatsApp group, accompanied by claims he had been arrested in Jululung.

She said she was shocked. “Ousainou only told me he had a problem with his white woman,” she said. “That’s why I helped him travel to see a marabout. I don’t understand what I’m seeing.”

Her sister Tida later called in tears, saying posts online were alleging that Ousainou was the one who killed the two PIU officers. Amie dismissed the rumors, maintaining her brother had done nothing wrong.

She tried to reach Ousainou. A stranger picked up his phone, refused to identify himself, and claimed Ousainou would call back later.

Family Compound Surrounded

Amie rushed to the family compound in Brufut. When she arrived, she found paramilitary officers surrounding the compound as neighbors watched from balconies. After explaining she was family, she was allowed inside.

There she learned that her brother Lamin Bojang and her sister’s husband had already been arrested.

The next day, police brought Ousainou to the compound in handcuffs. They searched his room and a neighboring compound where he worked but recovered nothing, she said.

Amie testified that an officer, identified as Fakebba, returned with a pair of shoes and tried to force Ousainou to wear them. Ousainou protested, saying they were not his shoes, and according to Amie, they did not fit. The officer took them away in a paper bag.

‘Who Is Amie Bojang?’

About fifteen minutes later, the officers returned and asked for Amie. When she identified herself, she was immediately arrested.

She was taken to Banjulinding and later to the Anti-Crime Unit. There, she was accused of helping Ousainou escape to Senegal after he allegedly shot the two PIU officers. Amie denied the allegations.

She said officers also accused her of helping Ousainou on behalf of the United Democratic Party (UDP). She told them no one in their family was involved in politics. Her answer angered the officers, she added.

Interrogations and Searches

The police questioned the taxi driver, who was later released. Officers asked about the motorbike rider who transported Ousainou to Jululung. Amie said she had never been to Darsilameh before but believed she could recognize the rider if she saw him again.

Amie further testified that Inspector Lamin Cham showed her a photo of a man in a black coat and claimed it was her brother. She said the person did not resemble Ousainou. The inspector laughed and put the phone away.

Police later searched her house in Yundum, including the bathroom. She remained detained at the Anti-Crime Unit until the next day, when her statement was taken.

Due to time constraints, the judge adjourned the proceedings. Amie Bojang is expected to continue her testimony on Monday, 15 December at 11 a.m.