Former Gambia Police PRO Binta Njie Jatta Reportedly Summoned for Questioning Over Facebook Post
Seedy Mucktar Touray, Inspector General of Police.
By Buba Gajigo
Binta Njie Jatta, the former Public Relations Officer of The Gambia Police Force and one of its most recognizable figures, has been summoned by the institution for questioning over a Facebook post. Sources close to Kerr Fatou confirmed that her summons was linked to a viral post she made in response to disparaging remarks by Baboucarr Bahoum against Kiang and its people.
Njie Jatta, a native of Kiang, clarified in her post that she was speaking in her personal capacity as a concerned daughter of the region, not as a representative of the police force. However, her public remarks did not sit well with the police leadership. According to sources, a senior officer from the top ranks personally contacted Njie Jatta, urging her to delete the post. She reportedly refused, asserting that her comments reflected her personal views and were made in defense of her community’s dignity.
Following her refusal to comply with the top-ranking officer’s directive to delete her post, she was summoned for further questioning.
Njie Jatta’s case is attracting significant public attention, given her high profile. She served as one of the march commanders during The Gambia’s recent 60th Independence Jubilee celebrations, a role that underscored her standing within the force. Her dedication and patriotism have long been recognized, making this latest development particularly striking.
As the investigation unfolds, Njie Jatta has been asked to return for additional questioning. The outcome could have broader implications for how personal expression on social media is handled within The Gambia Police Force, especially when it intersects with sensitive ethnic, regional, and political issues.
Meanwhile, Baboucarr Bahoum, known for building a career by insulting opposition political figures and anyone he perceived as an opponent of the President, as well as being the author of the disparaging remarks against Kiang and its people—remarks that prompted Njie Jatta’s response—was summoned for police questioning and subsequently released without facing any charges.
Kerr Fatou contacted Momodou Musa Sisawo, who clarified that Binta has not been arrested and is not under any investigation. He explained that it is standard police procedure to summon officers for questioning regarding statements they make, which could explain why Njie Jatta was called in. Sisawo further mentioned that Binta has been on a short leave since the Independence celebration and was called in today to discuss the matter. He promised to provide an update once he obtains further information on the issue.
For now, all eyes remain on the police leadership and their next steps in a case that has ignited national debate about rights, responsibilities, and the limits of free speech.