By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)
The defense counsel representing Amie Bojang, who is charged as an accessory after the fact of murder for allegedly assisting her brother, Ousainou Bojang, escape to Senegal after he allegedly shot and killed two policemen and left another seriously injured, has strongly opposed a state motion seeking a stay of proceedings in the ongoing trial.
The motion, filed by the State, challenges a ruling made by Justice Jaiteh, which ordered three senior government officials to testify in the case. In an affidavit submitted on June 16, 2025, Jarra Sanneh, a Legal Assistant at Mari Bantang Chambers, confirmed that she was acting on the authority of Amie Bojang and her counsel, Adama Sillah, in opposing the State’s motion.
The defence contends that the State’s application is “frivolous and vexatious,” aimed solely at delaying the trial and obstructing a lawful court order. According to the affidavit, the request to halt the proceedings is intended to “stifle and impair” the defence’s ability to fully present its case, and to prevent the subpoenaed government officials from testifying.
The motion follows Amie Bojang’s charges related to her alleged role in assisting her brother, Ousainou, to flee the country after the shooting incident in September 2023, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers and left another officer critically injured. While Ousainou Bojang faces charges of murder and attempted murder, Amie is charged with being an accessory after the fact for allegedly helping him escape.
In its opposition, the defence argues that there are no substantial reasons to grant the stay, and that such an action would violate the accused’s right to a fair trial. “The accused persons have been in custody since their arrest. Granting this application would further delay their access to justice,” the affidavit reads.
The defence further asserts that, contrary to the State’s argument, the application for a stay of proceedings should not be made by the Director of Public Prosecutions, but rather by the witnesses themselves, if they have valid grounds to seek an exemption from appearing in court.
Amie Bojang’s counsel also points out that a Notice of Appeal does not automatically serve as a stay of proceedings unless expressly ordered by the Appellate Court. “The State’s motion is an attempt to bypass the court’s decision and obstruct the proper legal process,” Counsel Adama Sillah stated.
The defence maintains that the court’s original ruling, which ordered the appearance of key government officials, was made in the interests of justice and should prevail. They argue that halting the proceedings at this stage would result in a “gross miscarriage of justice,” depriving the accused of a fair trial.
In response, the State is expected to reply on points of law, and Justice Jaiteh will deliver a ruling on whether to grant or dismiss the application.
The case, which revolves around the tragic police shooting incident and the subsequent flight of Ousainou Bojang to Senegal, has drawn significant public attention. It continues to raise questions about the handling of justice and accountability within the Gambian legal system.
As the trial unfolds, the outcome of this motion could significantly impact the progress of the case and set a precedent for future proceedings involving high-profile criminal charges.
