Woman Charged With Killing Mother Says She Cannot Recall Events as Trial Opens

The murder trial of Fatou Suwaneh opened this week before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh at the High Court, where the accused told the court she could not remember the circumstances surrounding the death of her mother, Binta Bojang.

Ms. Suwaneh faces a single count of murder under Section 187 of the Criminal Code. Prosecutors allege that on Oct. 27, 2024, in Tujereng Village, she fatally struck her mother on the head with a pestle.

When the indictment was read in court, Ms. Suwaneh, who was represented by the defense lawyer Lamin J. Darboe, said she had no recollection of the events leading to her mother’s death. Justice Jaiteh then entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf, allowing the trial to proceed in accordance with the law.

State Counsel F. Drammeh, appearing for the Director of Public Prosecutions, asked the court for an adjournment to allow the prosecution to present its witnesses.

Prosecutors have listed five witnesses and several pieces of evidence they intend to rely on in the case.

Among them is Omar Bojang, the brother of the deceased, who is expected to testify about concerns regarding the accused’s mental health and about money he said he provided for her hospital treatment before the incident. Mariatou Bojang, a sister of the deceased, is expected to tell the court that on Oct. 29, 2024, she discovered Binta Bojang unresponsive in her room and noticed what appeared to be blood on the accused’s shirt.

Another witness, Lamin Jabang, is expected to testify that he had been informed of the accused’s mental health challenges days before the killing. Detective Sergeant L. Manneh will describe how he obtained cautionary and voluntary statements from the accused during the investigation.

Prosecutors say they plan to introduce several exhibits, including the accused’s statements, a medical certificate, the pestle believed to have been used in the attack, and a shirt stained with what they say is blood.

Justice Jaiteh adjourned the case until March 24, 2026, when the trial is scheduled to begin in earnest.

Ms. Suwaneh appeared visibly distressed in court and was in tears as prison officers escorted her from the courtroom.