Courtroom Turmoil as Attempted Murder Suspect Tries to Harm Himself; Justice Jaiteh Orders Heightened Prison Safeguards

A courtroom session descended into chaos on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 after an attempted murder suspect tried to take his own life, prompting Justice Ebrima Jaiteh to issue urgent instructions to the Director General of Mile Two Central Prison to safeguard the accused while in state custody.

The defendant, Yugo Sowe, also known as Gorgie Sowe, is standing trial on multiple charges—including attempted murder, assault causing grievous bodily harm, intentional harm, wounding, and domestic violence—stemming from an alleged November 16, 2023 attack on his wife in Brikama-Jalambang. Prosecutors accuse Sowe of assaulting her with a cutlass and inflicting severe injuries to her legs, arms, and other parts of her body. He has pleaded not guilty.

The disturbance occurred shortly after the case was called. According to courtroom observers, Sowe entered the dock and attempted to climb onto the witness stand before attempting to throw himself to the floor in what appeared to be a suicide attempt. Security personnel quickly intervened.

Following the incident, Sowe reportedly told the court he intended to kill himself and claimed he had access to medication in prison that he could use to do so.

Justice Jaiteh described the disclosure as “grave and credible,” noting that it raised immediate concerns regarding the accused’s safety “and the preservation of life while in lawful custody.”

In response, the judge issued a mandatory order directing the prison authorities to implement strict safeguards. The directives include:

• Continuous monitoring of Sowe while in custody.
• Tight control of all medications in his possession, ensuring he receives only doctor-prescribed doses under supervision.
• Regular welfare checks consistent with procedures for inmates deemed at risk of self-harm.
• Access to medical and psychological care as required.

Justice Jaiteh further instructed that all relevant prison staff be immediately informed of the risk and that protective measures be enforced without delay. He warned that any failure to comply with the court’s order could result in “serious consequences.”

The judge emphasized that the directives reflect the state’s legal duty to protect the life and well-being of individuals held in its custody.