By Mariama Marong
Bakary Mankajang, widely known as ‘Mankajang Daily’ in media circles, has wrapped up his testimony before the High Court in Ousainou Bojang’s ongoing trial. For the past three weeks, the prominent news site TikTok has been appearing in court to provide crucial evidence, particularly regarding the State’s chief witness, Mama Jabbi.
The prosecution is led by A.A. Wakawa, with Senior Counsel L.J. Darboe representing the first accused, Ousainou Bojang, and Counsel Adama Sillah defending the second accused, Amie Bojang.
During the latest proceedings, the court reviewed a transcript of an audio interview between Mankajang and Mama Jabbi, as previously ordered. Counsel Adama Sillah began cross-examination by questioning Mankajang about his professional background, to which the journalist stated he has been practicing for four to five years.
Counsel Sillah probed further about the interview, asking about its duration and location. Mankajang responded that the interview lasted about 10 to 11 minutes and was conducted in Yarambamba at the residence of President Barrow’s sister, Korka Barrow—a location chosen by Mama Jabbi herself. However, Mankajang clarified that his research indicated Mama Jabbi actually resided in Sukuta, not Yarambamba, but she was staying with the president’s sister at the time of the interview.
Pressed on whether the interview location could have influenced Mama Jabbi’s statements, Mankajang said he could not determine if it had any impact. He confirmed the discussion took place on September 14, 2025, after the president had announced a bounty related to the case.
Counsel Sillah suggested that Mama Jabbi’s remarks in the interview might have been motivated by the presidential bounty, but Mankajang maintained he could not speak to her intentions. Under further questioning, Mankajang confirmed that Mama Jabbi admitted to immediately suspecting the first accused upon seeing him, and that she stated in her introduction that her actions were motivated by loyalty to the president.
During cross-examination by State Counsel A.A. Wakawa, Mankajang was asked about his journalistic qualifications and familiarity with the profession’s code of ethics. The witness affirmed his knowledge and adherence to journalistic standards, emphasizing that he performs both investigative and general reporting duties.
When asked if he had volunteered information to the police during the investigation, Mankajang revealed he was arrested upon arrival at the police station without explanation. He insisted his work was professional and conducted lawfully, particularly as the matter had not yet reached court when he conducted the interview.
State Counsel Wakawa also questioned Mankajang about his relationship with Mama Jabbi, to which the journalist replied that he had never met her before the interview and only contacted her after extensive research. Responding to suggestions that he was also motivated by the presidential bounty, Mankajang denied any such intent, stating he was fulfilling his role as a journalist in the service of the public.
The case has been adjourned to October 21st for further proceedings.
