Ousainou Bojang and his sister Amie Bojang in court
By Landing Ceesay
Lamin J. Darboe, counsel for Ousainou Bojang, who stands accused of murdering two Police Intervention Unit (PIU) officers at the Sukuta Jabang Traffic Lights, has submitted his client’s Africell call log as evidence in court.
Bojang is facing six charges, including the murder of the PIU officers. His sister, Amie Bojang, is also on trial as an accessory after the fact.
Continuing his defense, Ousainou Bojang recounted details of a dispute involving his girlfriend, Claudette, allegedly stemming from financial issues.
During his testimony on the previous court date, Bojang explained that his friend, Famara Sarjo, had lodged a complaint against him at the Brusubi Police Station, prompting Officer Seedy Sonko to summon him.
On Monday, Bojang provided further details of his encounter at the Brusubi Police Station after being summoned.
“What happened when you went to the Police station?” Counsel LJ Darboe asked. “When I met Famara at the station, he was standing outside the Police Station. We didn’t talk to each other. I went and sat on the Veranda of the Police Station. Then I called Seedy Sonko’s number to inform him that I had arrived at the Station and was sitting on the Veranda.”
“Seedy Sonko, asked me to give him two minutes, he was at the shop. When he was coming back from the shop, he called my number and I received it. He asked me to raise my hand and wave him to identify me because there were many people at the Veranda when I did that, and he told me okay, I saw you.”
“When Seedy reached, he asked me to come inside. When I got inside, that was when Famara Sarjo also followed inside. Seedy told me that he was the one who called me and that my friend Famara Sarjo brought a complaint against me. The complaint was that Famara Sarjo said I called threatening him to step away from me and my woman because he has no idea how I started a relationship with my woman,” Ousainou testified.
Ousainou denied threatening Famara Sarjo. He further explained that during a conversation with his girlfriend, Claudette, she accused him of mismanaging her money, citing Famara’s claims. Bojang confronted Famara, but the two ended up arguing over the accusation.
“She said my friend Baba boy, who is known as Famara Sarjo, tells her that I mismanaged her money and spent it anyhow. And she equally warned me that night that if am not careful, she will make me regret it. That was when I hung up the phone and called Famara Sarjo. I told Famara Sarjo that I was just on the phone with my woman, and she told me that you are the one telling her that I mismanaged her money and spent it anyhow. Famara Sarjo did not admit that statement, and we ended up quarrelling over it. Then I told Seedy Sonko that what Famara Sarjo said about me threatening him was not true. What the woman told me, that was what I told Famara Sarjo,” Ousainou explained.
Ousainou testified in court that it was at this point Police Officer Seedy Sonko advised them to resolve their differences, emphasizing that the issue should not create division between them.
When Officer Sonko inquired about the origins of their relationship, Ousainou explained that it began many years ago. He shared that his relationship with Famara Sarjo dated back to their childhood, as they attended primary and junior school together, although they went their separate ways during their senior school years.
“That was when Seedy Sonko advised and told us that the two of us are family. Seedy Sonko said both of us could have a conversation about this issue and end it there. He said no one should come between the two of us. Especially me Ousainou Bojang, he called out my name. Seedy Sonko said he wants me to apologize to my friend, Famara Sarjo and tell him to forgive me so that I can end the issue there. “When I told Seedy that was not a problem to me. Then I apologized to Famara Sarjo and told him I was sorry; we shook hands. While Famara Sarjo’s phone was placed on the counter, Seedy Sonko told me that I could go. Before I stepped out, the woman (Claudette) called Famara Sarjo and I recognised the number. It was a UK number +44. He (Famara Sarjo) was not willing to pick up the call in my presence. Seedy Sonko forced me to go. When I stepped out on the highway, I called the woman, and it was indicated that she was on another call. I did not call again, and I went home,” Ousainou Bojang told the court.
When asked whether he recalled his telephone, Ousainou Bojang responded affirmatively and read the number to the court as 22########.
“Do you have another number other than that number?” Counsel LJ Darboe asked.
“That is the only Africell number I used,” Ousainou Bojang told the court. “If you see the call log of that telephone number, will you recognise it?” Counsel LJ Darboe asked again.
“Yes, I will, Ousainou Bojang responded.
Darboe then presented the call log, which Bojang confirmed was from his Africell number. The log, dated from August 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, was submitted as evidence.
Hon. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court of The Gambia accepted the call log as an exhibit. The 19-page document, from Africell Gambia Limited, was formally marked.
The case was adjourned to today for the continuation of Ousainou Bojang’s testimony.