By Kemo Kanyi
President Adama Barrow says Thursday that his government respects the ruling of the Banjul High Court in the case involving the 2023 murder of two paramilitary officers, but does not agree with the judgment.
Speaking during a six-day nationwide tour in Foñi Somita, President Barrow emphasizes that the government reserves the right to appeal, noting that court decisions can be overturned.
“Decisions are made in court cases, but the other party also has the right to appeal under the law. There are many cases where initial judgments were later overturned on appeal,” he said.
The President added: “The government respects the decision of the judge, but we disagree with its outcome. Someone killed our police officers, and we apprehended only one person in connection with the crime from Senegal. We suspect he is responsible and believe he is the killer.”
Responding to comments made by opposition leader Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party (UDP) after the High Court ruling, President Barrow suggested Darboe might have an agenda and alleged complicity in the incident. He criticized the opposition leader for not addressing past killings of UDP members under the former Jammeh regime but speaking quickly after the Sukuta-Jabang Traffic Light shooting.
“I am telling him that the interest he has shown in this case raises questions about his role, as perceived by the people,” the President said.
Meanwhile, Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang, were accused of involvement in the 2023 Sukuta-Jabang Traffic Light shooting, which resulted in the deaths of two officers of the Gambia Police Intervention Unit (PIU). After a two-year trial, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court acquitted and discharged them.