JUDGMENT DELIVERED ON 30 MARCH 2026

The Attorney General's Chambers and Ministry of Justice acknowledge the judgment delivered on 30 March 2026 by the High Court of The Gambia in the case of The State v. Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang.

The Court acquitted and discharged Mr. Ousainou Bojang on five counts, namely two counts of murder of Police Constable Sang J. Gomez and Police Constable Pateh M. Jallow, one count of commission of acts of terrorism, one count of attempted murder of Police Constable Ansey Jawo, and one count of grievous bodily harm. The Court also acquitted and discharged Ms. Amie Bojang on one count of being an accessory after the fact to murder. These charges arose from the fatal shooting of two police officers and the wounding of a third at the Sukuta, Jabang Traffic Lights on the night of 12 September 2023.

The Government of The Gambia, through the Office of the Attorney General, respects the independence of the Judiciary and the right of every court to deliver judgment according to its assessment of the evidence and the law. At the same time, the Government owes a solemn duty to the families of the fallen officers, to the surviving officer, and to the people of The Gambia to ensure that the legal process is pursued to its fullest extent where legitimate grounds exist to do so.

Having carefully reviewed the judgment, the Attorney General’s Chambers is dissatisfied with the judgment particularly in the trial court’s evaluation of the evidence and the conclusion reached. Following the oral notice of appeal given to the Court by the Director of Public Prosecutions pursuant to Section 325 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2025, the State filed an appeal against the acquittal and discharge of both accused persons at the Court of Appeal. The State is seeking appropriate relief, which includes the setting aside of the acquittal and substitution of the judgment with a conviction and sentence that commensurate with the gravity of the offences charged.

The Government wishes to assure the general public that this decision proceeds from a careful legal assessment of the judgment, and not from any disregard for the presumption of innocence or the right to a fair trial. The right to appeal against an acquittal exists precisely because the law recognises that trial courts, like any human institution, may err. An appeal provides the opportunity for a superior court to review whether such errors occurred and, if they did, whether they affected the outcome.

The Government takes this opportunity to once again extend its deepest condolences to the families of Police Constable Sang J. Gomez and Police Constable Pateh M. Jallow, and its continuing solidarity with Police Constable Ansey Jawo. Their service and sacrifice in the line of duty will not be forgotten.

The Attorney General’s Chambers calls upon the public to allow the appellate process to take its course and to refrain from actions or statements that may prejudice the proceedings. Justice is best served through lawful process, and the Government remains committed to upholding the rule of law in all circumstances.

Issued By:
The Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Justice
Banjul, The Gambia

For media enquiries:
Office of the Attorney General
Marina Parade, Banjul