Speaking publicly for the first time following the acquittal and discharge of Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe has emphasized the need for an independent judiciary, free from political interference.
Mr. Darboe cautioned against the misuse of the criminal justice system as a tool to target political opponents, describing such actions as dangerous to democracy and the rule of law.
“The criminal justice system should not be used to witch-hunt political opponents,” he said. “This is precisely the plan that the former Deputy Inspector General of Police and the government spokesman, along with any security personnel whose advice they relied on, pursued. Their main mission was to paint us as violent people.”
He pointed to the acquittal of Abdoulie Sanyang—who had faced prosecution under what he described as politically motivated circumstances—as a clear demonstration of judicial independence.
“We have seen the trial of Abdoulie Sanyang, who was charged and prosecuted for an offence he never really committed,” Mr. Darboe noted. “The upright and courageous Justice Jaiteh evaluated the evidence objectively and delivered the judgment it deserved, which was to discharge and acquit him.”
Reflecting on past events, Mr. Darboe also recalled attempts by authorities to link the United Democratic Party (UDP) to the killing of police officers, allegations he said extended to him personally.
“I was accused of being an accomplice in this murder,” he stated. “I may eventually seek redress for those defamatory and slanderous statements, but at the time we chose to remain silent, as any response from us would likely have been dismissed as self-serving.”
Mr. Darboe further called on the current administration to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation into the killings, stressing that it is the government’s responsibility to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.
“It is now the duty of this government—President Barrow—to mount proper investigations to identify those who killed these officers and those responsible for leaving that young lady in a state of trauma,” he said.
He warned that failure to act decisively could have consequences in the future, suggesting that a subsequent administration would take up the responsibility if necessary.
“If proper investigations are not conducted, I can assure you that the next government will undertake a thorough process to uncover the real perpetrators behind the killings of our serving officers,” Mr. Darboe added.
His remarks underscore ongoing concerns about political influence within the justice system and highlight the broader call for accountability, transparency, and the preservation of judicial integrity.
