By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)
In the ongoing murder and terrorism trial of Ousainou and Amie Bojang, the court was presented with video footage revealing a striking claim by National Security Adviser Abubakary Sulayman Jeng. The footage captures Jeng alleging that Ousainou Bojang, accused in the case, acquired his weapon from the rebel group in Cassamace and identified him as a rebel.
The trial, stemming from a police shooting incident on September 13, 2023, saw intense cross-examination of Adviser Jeng, who appeared before the court under oath. Representing the prosecution was Director of Public Prosecutions A.M. Yusuf, while Counsel Lamin J. Darboe and Adama Sillah appeared for the accused persons.
During questioning, Jeng confirmed his participation in a police press briefing held on September 15, 2023, where he responded to questions about the incident. The court played video footage from that briefing, during which journalist Kebba Ansu of Alkamba questioned Jeng about individuals involved in the shooting. Jeng stated that Ousainou Bojang and six others were implicated but refused to name the individuals publicly, citing security concerns and clarifying none were security officers.
In the footage, Jeng stated: “The suspect Ousainou Bojang, from his mouth, told us that he acquired the weapon from Cassamace, and he’s part of the rebel group in Cassamace.” This statement became a focal point during cross-examination.
Jeng admitted that the information was verbal and that he had no audio or video recording to support it, relying solely on intelligence sources he trusted. He also revealed that he had not personally spoken to Bojang before charges were filed, nor had he seen the weapon in question. When asked about reporting to the President, Jeng said he provided briefings based on intelligence information.
Objections arose regarding Jeng’s description of the weapon, as he had not seen it personally, leading the court to exclude certain statements. Jeng also admitted he had not established a motive for the shooting and could not confirm details such as the extension of the ECOMIG mandate following the incident or the identities of the six others involved.
Counsel Adama Sillah questioned Jeng on his role as National Security Adviser, to which Jeng clarified that he coordinates rather than supervises. When challenged on why he engaged in a public press briefing given his coordination role, Jeng asserted it was part of his mandate and justified it as a necessary measure to inform and reassure the public about an unprecedented incident involving security officers.
Jeng denied that the briefing compromised the investigation and refused to disclose his sources without court compulsion. He also acknowledged the production of a statement he gave at the briefing, which was admitted into evidence.
Further questioning revealed that Jeng had no knowledge of forensic or DNA tests linking the accused to the crime, nor was he aware of a female suspect.
Further questions by Counsel Darboe confirmed that Jeng could not specify how many CCTV footage clips had been recovered. The presiding judge, Justice Jaiteh, emphasised the importance of such footage for understanding the incident and urged for broader installation of CCTV cameras across the country.
After Jeng was discharged, the court heard an application from Counsel Darboe to call military officer Omar S. Jallow as a defence witness. The court approved the request, ordering the officer to appear on July 7, 2025, at 2:15 p.m.
Justice Jaiteh underscored the constitutional and international rights of the accused to call and examine witnesses, warning that failure to allow this would undermine the fairness of the trial. The Chief of Defence Staff was instructed to ensure Omar S. Jallow’s attendance, with non-compliance to be treated as contempt of court.
The trial has been adjourned to July 7, 2025.
