By Kemo Kanyi
Ousainou and Amie Bojang were warmly welcomed by residents of Brufut on Tuesday after being freed by the State, following public pressure from youth protesters in the village.
The siblings were acquitted by the Banjul High Court on Monday, ending a trial in which they were linked to the 2023 murder of two paramilitary officers at the Sukuta-Jabang Traffic Light. A female officer was injured during the incident. The Bojangs have consistently denied all allegations.
Tensions escalated after authorities initially refused to allow the siblings to return home despite the High Court order clearing them of all charges. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, the presiding judge, ruled that the State failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
During the protest, several residents, including women and children, were hospitalized after exposure to tear gas. Red Cross volunteers were seen assisting victims and transporting them to medical facilities.
The situation eased temporarily after the government withdrew its request for an interim execution of the bail order pending the hearing of a Motion on Notice, which seeks a stay of execution of the March 30, 2026, bail order while the appeal against the acquittal is reviewed.
Despite the unrest, residents awaited the return of Ousainou and Amie Bojang, who were met with celebrations upon their arrival in the evening.
