By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)
Government Spokesperson Ebrima G. Sankareh testified in the High Court on Monday that his remarks about the Sukuta-Jabang shooting were entirely drawn from police briefings, not personal judgment.
Led in testimony by defence lawyer Lamin J. Darboe, Mr. Sankareh confirmed giving a radio interview following the September 2023 shooting but firmly stated: “I never said [the accused was responsible]. I said allegedly.”
Pressed on whether he said the shooter had a co-conspirator, Mr. Sankareh reiterated, “I said alleged co-conspirator.”
When asked if he said the suspect was present at the trial of activist Yankuba Darboe, the spokesperson stated, “I didn’t say that.”
Regarding statements that the suspect was seen at a mosque with a co-conspirator, Mr. Sankareh said, “No, I never said that but something similar.”
On being asked about plans to kill six officers, he replied, “According to the information I gathered from the investigators.”
Mr. Sankareh was also asked whether he confirmed money was recovered from the suspect. “No, I said the police said they have recovered money from the alleged shooter,” he explained.
When asked if he confirmed the amount, he responded: “No, I didn’t confirm the amount. I acted on the information provided by the police.”
He also confirmed stating that the suspect was smuggled into Cassamance: “Yes, I said that based on the information from the police.”
As for reports that the suspect was at the trial wearing a hoodie jumper, Mr. Sankareh said: “Yes, as a security not as a demonstrator, just like I’m here with my security in court, as a witness.”
He affirmed that the President pledged one million dalasis to support the case, saying, “Yes, that was all over the news.” On victim compensation, he added, “25,000 dalasis was pledged by the police to the family.”
When questioned by Mr. Darboe on whether his public statements were accurate, Mr. Sankareh replied, “They were accurate at the time as a preliminary investigation, and after that, I excused myself from the whole issue.”
“I was neither withdrawn nor being withdrawn. I travelled to America for the UN General Assembly and continued with my vacation before returning,” he said when asked about whether he was removed from commenting on the case.
Second defence counsel Adama Sillah continued the questioning, asking, “How many interviews did you have regarding this case?”
“One,” Mr. Sankareh answered.
“Did you stand by all you said in that interview?” Mr. Sillah asked.
“Yes, based on the information and evidence I was given,” Mr. Sankareh replied.
“Who gave you the information?” Mr. Sillah inquired.
“From the police, as I spoke to everyone in the police,” Mr. Sankareh stated.
“So, you spoke to all the police?” Mr. Sillah asked.
“I get the information from the police department,” Mr. Sankareh repeated.
Asked if he got information from the Inspector General of Police or intelligence, Mr. Sankareh said, “IGP wasn’t in the country at the time and I got the information from the police department.”
“As the Spokesperson of the government, did you confirm the information first?” Mr. Sillah asked.
“Yes, as a trained journalist I verified all the information given to me first,” Mr. Sankareh affirmed.
