In the ongoing trial of Ousainou and Amie Bojang, significant developments unfolded in the courtroom as the proceedings delved into crucial testimonies. Ousainou Bojang faces charges of murder, attempted murder, terrorist acts, and assault causing grievous bodily harm, while his sister, Amie Bojang, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
Sub-Detective Sowe took the stand to continue his testimony in the voir dire (mini-trial) aimed at establishing whether Ousainou Bojang was drugged and beaten while providing his statement. Led by the Director of Public Prosecution A.M Yusuf, Sowe refuted the allegations, asserting that Ousainou was not subjected to such treatment.
Detective Ebou Sowe vehemently denied the claim that Ousainou Bojang was drugged and beaten during his custody from September 13 to 23, 2023. He stated that he had been in contact with the accused since his arrest and dismissed any notion of physical mistreatment during that period.
Sowe confirmed that he obtained a statement from Ousainou Bojang on September 15, 2023, detailing the procedure followed, including the presence of an independent witness named Alieu Cham. He emphasized that Bojang was in good health and was not mistreated or given drugs during the process.
The detective outlined the process of obtaining voluntary statements from Ousainou Bojang, including cautionary measures and the charges against him. He maintained that Bojang’s physical condition was sound throughout the investigative process.
Sowe testified that he engaged with the accused at least eight times to obtain cautionary and voluntary statements between September 13 and 15, 2023. He confirmed the authenticity of the cautionary and voluntary statements, which were admitted into evidence as VD 1, VD 2, VD 3, VD 4, VD 5, VD 6, VD 7, VD 8, VD 9, VD 10, VD 11, VD 12, VD 13, and VD 14.
The prosecution sought to tender 14 voluntary statements obtained on September 15 into evidence, all of which were admitted after no objections were raised by the defence.
Detective Sowe stated that he observed no abnormality in Ousainou Bojang during the process of obtaining the statements. The Director of Public Prosecution closed the testimony of Detective Sowe, and the case was adjourned for the cross-examination of the witness, scheduled for the following day.
