By Makutu Manneh
President Adama Barrow has criticized opposition leader Ousainu Darboe following the latter’s national address on Wednesday night regarding the Sukuta–Jabang police shooting case, suggesting that Darboe’s position on the matter raises concerns about his impartiality.
Speaking in Foni Somita, President Barrow expressed disappointment, stating that the opposition leader’s level of interest in the case, coupled with public perceptions, calls into question his neutrality.
“The interest he has shown in this judgment and the perception people have about him in relation to the case suggest that his hands are not clean,” the president said.
Barrow noted that unrest had occurred earlier in the day, and by 10:00 p.m., Darboe addressed the nation, criticizing the government while commending the presiding judge and the defense lawyers. He contrasted this with past incidents in which members of Darboe’s party were arrested, arguing that the opposition leader did not publicly address those situations at the time, allegedly due to fear of former President Yahya Jammeh.
The president further pointed out what he described as inconsistencies in Darboe’s stance on judicial decisions, recalling that the opposition leader had previously rejected unfavorable court rulings as unjust. He added that education does not necessarily equate to sound judgment, accusing Darboe of speaking out selectively when it aligns with his interests.
The controversy stems from the fatal shooting that occurred on September 12, 2023, at the Sukuta–Jabang traffic lights, where two Police Intervention Unit officers—Sang J. Gomez and Pateh Jallow—were killed, and a third officer, Ansey Jawo, was injured.
Ousainou Bojang, a native of Brufut, was later accused of carrying out the attack. He was arrested alongside his sister, Amie Bojang, who was alleged to have assisted in his escape. The siblings faced multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, terrorism, and being an accessory.
After nearly three years of trial proceedings, the High Court acquitted both defendants on March 30, 2026, citing weak and inconsistent evidence presented by the prosecution.
The state subsequently rearrested the Bojang siblings to maintain their detention pending an appeal, prompting youth demonstrations on Wednesday in Brufut and at Westfield. In response, the Ministry of Justice withdrew its ex parte motion to extend their imprisonment and released them in accordance with the bail conditions previously granted by the trial judge.
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