Africa-Press – Gambia. In the ongoing trial concerning the fatal shooting of two police officers, the first accused, Ousainou Bojang, took the stand for cross-examination, where he strongly alleged that government witnesses and state authorities had fabricated evidence against him.
The trial resumed with the continuation of cross-examination by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) A.M. Yusuf. Bojang, who is facing charges of murder and terrorism, firmly denied all allegations, claiming he has been framed in an orchestrated cover-up.
Background
Ousainou Bojang stands accused of fatally shooting two Gambian police officers and severely injuring a third on 12 September 2023, at the Sukuta Traffic Lights. He is charged with multiple counts including murder, attempted murder, and terrorism. His sister, Amie Bojang, is also on trial as an accessory after the fact.
Cross-Examination Highlights
DPP Yusuf questioned Bojang about his prior arrests and familiarity with key individuals linked to the case. Bojang admitted to a prior arrest by the Drug Squad in 2019 but denied any prior encounter with the Anti-Crime Unit. He also claimed unfamiliarity with several individuals, including Mama Jabbie and forensic officer Francis Jatta, who had previously testified against him.
At one point, the DPP requested Bojang to handle the pistol marked as Exhibit P28. Defense Counsel Lamin J. Darboe objected, arguing that his client should not touch the weapon with bare hands to avoid contaminating potential evidence. Justice Jaiteh intervened and provided paper for Bojang to use while handling the weapon.
When questioned about the firearm, Bojang acknowledged it was a gun but denied any knowledge of its type or any prior experience with firearms. He insisted that he had never possessed or handled a gun in his life. He further rejected the prosecution’s claim that the pistol was recovered in his presence, stating that no weapon was found during his arrest or at the locations searched by police.
Accusations of Fabrication
Bojang was asked why multiple witnesses, including Commissioner Sowe, Mama Jabbie, and Alfusainey—among others—would testify against him. He responded that they were all lying to protect themselves and cover up the truth. He even alleged that the government was involved in a conspiracy to frame him.
“Yes, they all lied against me, including the government,” Bojang stated. “Only the motorcycle rider who took me to Cassamance told the truth.”
When asked about the statement he purportedly gave to police, Bojang claimed he was unaware of its contents. He said he was given papers to thumbprint by Ebou Sowe without understanding what was written.
No Re-Examination
Following the DPP’s cross-examination, the defense opted not to re-examine Bojang. The court subsequently discharged him from the witness box.
Next Steps
Justice Jaiteh adjourned the matter to continue with the defense’s case on the following dates: May 19, 26, and 27; and June 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, and 23, 2025.
Defense Counsel Lamin J. Darboe informed the court that he intends to call seven witnesses. Counsel O. Susso, representing the second accused, Amie Bojang, said he plans to call only one witness—Amie herself.
The following is a verbatim transcription of the key moments from the cross-examination:
DPP: What was your age at the time of your arrest?
Ousainou Bojang: At that time, I was 32 years old.
DPP: Were you ever arrested by the police?
Ousainou Bojang: No, I was never arrested by the police, but I was arrested by the drug squad sometime in 2019. They came and found us sitting and arrested us.
DPP: How many of you were arrested?
Ousainou Bojang: I don’t know the number, but it is a group of people in 2019.
DPP: Where were you taken?
Ousainou Bojang: I was taken to Brusubi, and after four hours I was released.
The Court intervened, directing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to focus on the matter at hand. In response, the DPP stated that he was building towards a relevant point.
DPP: Have you ever visited the Anti-Crime Unit?
Ousainou Bojang: I have never stepped into the Anti-Crime headquarters at Banjulding.
DPP: How did you know Ebou Sowe?
Ousainou Bojang: I came to know Ebou Sowe when I was arrested and taken to Banjulding Anti-Crime Unit at the time I was arrested at Jujulung by Commissioner Sowe.
DPP: What about Alfusainey Chef d’ Garage?
Ousainou Bojang: I didn’t know him before.
DPP: What about Mama Jabbie?
Ousainou Bojang: I don’t know her. I was directed by Alfusainey to her at Jululung.
DPP: Can you remember the name of the motorcyclist?
Ousainou Bojang: No, I didn’t remember his name.
DPP: Francis Jatta (police forensic officer) also came to this court to testify. Did you know him?
Ousainou Bojang: I did not know him.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested that Exhibit P28—the pistol—be shown to Ousainou Bojang for identification. However, Defence Counsel Lamin J. Darboe objected to the request, arguing that his client should not handle the pistol with his bare hands and that the DPP should provide a protective barrier to avoid placing his fingerprints on the weapon.
In response, the DPP noted that Exhibit P28 had already been admitted into evidence and was before the court, adding that no further forensic examination would be conducted on the firearm. Despite this, Counsel Darboe maintained his objection, emphasizing that the possibility of an appeal could lead to the pistol being re-examined as part of the evidence.
To resolve the matter, Justice Jaiteh intervened and handed a piece of paper to Ousainou Bojang, which he then used to hold the pistol.There was no re-examination of Ousainou by the defence counsels, and he was subsequently discharged by the court.
The case was adjourned to continue in May and June 2025, specifically on May 19th, 26th, and 27th; and June 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, and 23rd for the continuation of the defence’s case.
Counsel Lamin J. Darboe informed the court that he intends to call seven witnesses, while Counsel O. Susso indicated that he will call only one witness—Amie Bojang, the second accused.
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