Alhaji Mamadi Kurang
The civil defamation case between prominent lawyer Amie Bensouda and former Janneh Commission Lead Counsel and Secretary Alhaji Mamadi Kurang commenced on Thursday before Justice Coker at the High Court in Bakau, sitting in Banjul.
When the matter was called, Counsel Combeh Gaye appeared for the Plaintiff, Ms. Bensouda, while Counsel A.J. Njie represented the Defendant, Mr. Kurang.
Counsel Gaye informed the court that the plaintiff had filed two statements of claim, but that the defence had yet to submit its response. In reply, Counsel Njie indicated that the defence would file its statement of defence by Monday and intended to submit an objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
Mr. Njie argued that the plaintiff failed to comply with the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure, which he said is a legal prerequisite before proceeding with a civil action.
In response, Counsel Gaye told the court that the plaintiff’s legal team would await the formal objection before determining their next course of action.
The case was adjourned to 17th November 2025 at 11:30 a.m. for further proceedings.
Background of the Case
The case stems from ongoing disputes surrounding the work of the Janneh Commission of Inquiry, which investigated the assets and financial dealings of former President Yahya Jammeh.
Ms. Bensouda, who served as the commission’s lead counsel, filed the defamation suit in June 2025, seeking D144 million in exemplary damages, interest, and a permanent injunction. She accuses Mr. Kurang of waging a “sustained and malicious online campaign” against her since his dismissal as Secretary to the Commission in 2018.
According to her claim, Mr. Kurang allegedly published false statements suggesting she had personally benefited from the sale or disposal of assets seized by the commission—including tractors and luxury vehicles. She further alleges that Mr. Kurang used coded language such as “mafia,” “Guptas,” and “corrupt woman” to refer to her, with the intent to tarnish her reputation.
Her statement also cites a social media post by Mr. Kurang titled “PRODUCE THE CRUDE OIL FILE,” which she claims sought to implicate her in sensitive matters, including the high-profile death of former Finance Minister Koro Ceesay.
Ms. Bensouda contends that these statements, made on social media and in interviews, were false, malicious, and damaging to her professional and personal integrity.
Mr. Kurang, on the other hand, defends his comments as protected speech on issues of public interest, describing himself as a whistleblower who exposed alleged irregularities and conflicts of interest within the commission. He maintains that his removal from the commission stemmed from these disclosures.
The court will determine the admissibility of the claim when proceedings resume in November.