Counsel L.K. Mboge has withdrawn his representation of the 2nd respondent, Amie Bojang, in the ongoing Court of Appeal, citing his client’s refusal to follow legal advice regarding media engagement whilst the case remains active.
The withdrawal occurred at today’s sitting before the three-member appellate panel comprising Justice N. Salla-Wadda, Justice Basiru V.P. Mahoney, and Justice Amina Saho-Ceesay, forcing the court to adjourn proceedings to 20th October 2026 for mention to allow Amie Bojang time to secure legal representation.
The Appeal Court opened proceedings by noting Counsel Mboge’s formal Notice of Withdrawal filed with the court. When asked if she was aware of the development, Amie Bojang confirmed she had been notified last week through a letter from Mboge’s office.
In his Notice of Withdrawal dated 24th June 2026, Counsel Mboge stated his reason for withdrawal.
“TAKE NOTICE that I am withdrawing my representation in this case for the 2nd Respondent on the grounds that I advised her not to grant an interview to the media in this case, but she did not heed my advice. To my utter surprise, when I saw her on Kerr Fatou, I had no choice but to file this Notice of Withdrawal to protect my name and my reputation.”
Speaking to Kexx News, Counsel Mboge elaborated on the withdrawal
“Amie Bojang reached out to me for an interview on KERR FATOU, and I advised her not to honour the interview since the matter is still in court. Amie Bojang promised him that she would appear for the interview, only for him to see online Amie’s interview with Kerr Fatou. So, since my client can’t adhere to my advice as her counsel, then she didn’t need my service. So, I withdrew my representation.”
In the interest of justice, Justice Salla-Wadda asked Amie Bojang how long she would require to secure a lawyer. She replied that she would need one month.
State Counsel A. Gibba, appearing with Counsel F. Touray for the appellant (State), was asked whether he had been served with notice of the respondent’s unrepresented status in the case. He responded in the negative, and the Appeal Court directed that a copy of the notice be served on the State.
The Appeal Court emphasised that the hearing had been scheduled to allow Counsel Mboge to file his reply on points of law following the Notice of Preliminary Objection he had moved at the previous sitting on 15th June 2026. Given his withdrawal and Amie Bojang’s need for time to obtain counsel, the proceedings would be adjourned.
The appeal arises from the High Court judgement of Justice Jaiteh delivered on 30th March 2026, in which both Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang were acquitted and discharged.
The State filed its Notice of Appeal on 31st March 2026, followed by an Amended Notice of Appeal carrying seventeen grounds on 29th April 2026, together with a motion seeking leave to regularise its filing.
At the 15th June 2026 sitting, Counsel Mboge moved a Notice of Preliminary Objection challenging the competence of the State’s appeal, arguing that the Court of Appeal lacks jurisdiction to entertain both the appeal and the State’s motion.
Counsel Mboge’s central arguments were that the State had failed to exhibit a copy of the judgment under appeal and had not sought leave from either the High Court or the Court of Appeal before filing, which he contended are precedent to filing any appeal.
The State was granted seven days to file arguments in response to the preliminary objection; Counsel Mboge was given three days to reply after the State’s response. That reply hearing did not occur today due to his withdrawal.
Counsel L.J. Darboe continues to represent the 1st respondent, Ousainou Bojang. The case adjourned before the same panel of judges on 20th October 2026.
