Journalist cross-examined over Mama Jabbie’s interview in PIU shooting incident

In a detailed cross-examination before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court in Banjul, Counsel Adama Sillah, representing the second accused person Amie Bojang, in the PIU Sukuta shooting incident, questioned Bakary Mankajang, (Defence Witness 10) about his journalistic background and the circumstances surrounding his interview with prosecution witness Mama Jabbie.
Mankajang testified that he has been actively working as a journalist for four to five years, having started in 2021 as a radio journalist. He confirmed conducting an interview with Mama Jabbie, which lasted approximately 10 to 11 minutes.

When asked about his digital reach, Mankajang disclosed that his Facebook page has attracted nearly 81,000 viewers, while his TikTok account boasts approximately 283,000 followers. He added that his content receives daily views ranging between 145,000 and 150,000.

Pressed on the location of the interview, Mankajang stated that it took place in Yarambamba, at a compound reportedly belonging to the President’s sister. He clarified that Mama Jabbie herself chose the location and was staying there at the time of the interview, although his prior research indicated she resides in Sukuta.

He recounted that he had spoken with Mama Jabbie the night before the interview, during which she mentioned accompanying the police to report on a suspect. The next morning, she instructed him to meet her in Yarambamba, where she directed him to the compound for the interview.

Counsel Sillah asked whether conducting the interview at the President’s sister’s home could have influenced Mama Jabbie’s statements. Mankajang replied: “I have no knowledge about that.”

Sillah then questioned whether the witness was aware of the one million dalasis bounty placed on the first accused. “Yes, I was aware. That was everywhere when the President said that,” Mankajang confirmed.

Counsel Sillah suggested that the interview location and timing, after the bounty declaration, may have been chosen to curry favour or align with the President’s interests. Mankajang responded: “Well, I cannot say much about it.”

Sillah continued: “Within the interview, Mama Jabbie told you that as soon as she saw the first accused, she suspected that Ousainou must have done something. Is that correct?”

“Yes, she said that. And the audio was played before the court,” Mankajang replied.

Sillah asked whether it was fair to say that Mama Jabbie prejudged the suspect before any investigation was concluded. Mankajang responded, “Well, according to the interview, that’s what she said.”

He confirmed that Mama Jabbie stated she “acted for the President.”

Counsel Sillah then asked whether Mama Jabbie had mentioned seeing the first accused with any group of “machineries” either on or off record. The Prosecution objected, arguing that off-record information was inadmissible. Sillah countered, citing Section 10-02 of the Evidence Act, which permits cross-examination to test a witness’s veracity or elicit material facts.

Sillah further asked whether Mama Jabbie had mentioned MFDC or MFPC rebels in the interview. “No, she didn’t mention that,” Mankajang replied.

When asked whether the interview referenced the second accused, Amie Bojang, Mankajang stated, “No. The interview was solely based on her interaction with the first accused. There was no mention of Amie Bojang.”

Counsel Sillah concluded: “So it could be safe to say that nothing was said in respect of the second accused person during the interview with Mama Jabbie?” “Yes,” Mankajang confirmed.

Prosecution Counsel A.O. Wakawa then commenced his own cross-examination, asking whether journalism is governed by a code of ethics. Mankajang affirmed, stating that the profession is regulated by ethical standards and that he is a member of both the Young Gambia Journalism Association and the Gambia Press Union.

Wakawa challenged the notion that journalists conduct investigations. Mankajang responded that investigative journalism is a recognised and essential part of the profession.

He acknowledged that the police held a press briefing about the incident, which he followed online, though he could not recall whether it occurred before or after his interview with Mama Jabbie. “I cannot recall the dates,” he admitted.

Asked whether he had volunteered information to the police, Mankajang said he did not, but believed his journalistic work contributed to the investigation. “I was aware that anyone who knew anything could act to help lead to the suspect’s arrest,” he said.

However, Mankajang revealed that he was arrested upon returning from Jurulung. “Upon my arrival, I was arrested by the police,” he said. He added that no reason was given at the time, but later he was informed it was due to interference with witnesses and jurisdictional concerns.

Source: The Point