The High Court, presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, issued a compulsory witness summons against an alleged eyewitness in the ongoing murder trial of Mariama Jallow.
The case was scheduled for the hearing of the eyewitness’s evidence when the ruling was delivered. The ruling followed an application by Counsel M. Sarr seeking the attendance of PW5 (Saikou Tabally) of Brufut Town.
Saikou Tabally is identified by the State as an eyewitness to the alleged murder, whose evidence is considered “undeniably material” and “essential for the fair and complete adjudication of this case”.
The application was made pursuant to Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025, which grants the court power to issue a summons for any person whose “material evidence can be given by or is in the possession of”.
Counsel F. C. Anyanwu, representing the accused person, Mariama Jallow, did not object to the State’s request.
Court directs police to secure attendance
Justice Jaiteh noted that PW5 had not voluntarily appeared despite the scheduled testimony date and found that the application was “firmly grounded in statute” and necessary “in the interest of justice”.
Justice Jaiteh ordered the appearance of PW5, Saikou Tabally, before the court to testify and shall remain in attendance until formally discharged. A witness summons was issued forthwith under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025.
The summons, along with a copy of PW5’s witness statement (obtained by CPL A. Saidy of the Brufut Anti-Crime Unit), is to be served on the witness.
Justice Jaiteh stated that the order and summons must also be served on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for immediate transmission to the Station Officer of the Brufut Anti-Crime Unit, directing them to take all necessary steps to ensure PW5’s prompt attendance.
The Prosecution is directed to file proof of service before the next hearing date. The matter is adjourned to the 10th of December 2025 at 12:30 p.m. for the appearance and hearing of the testimony of PW5, Mr Saikou Tabally.
Mariama Jallow is alleged to have murdered a young boy by stabbing him with a knife.
Disclaimer: Following the report of the incident, unsubstantiated rumours have circulated. This platform does not endorse or take responsibility for the allegations.
One rumour suggests that Mariama Jallow, a female mechanic, used to be allegedly mocked by young boys on her way to work. It is alleged that she warned them, but it continued, and she decided to carry a knife and, in response to further mockery, she attacked the boys, resulting in the fatal stabbing of Cherno Manneh.
Another unverified claim suggests that Mariama Jallow worked as a s₩x worker and that the young boy was aware of this, allegedly leading them to mock her anytime she passed them.
The rumour further alleges that in a fit of anger, she carried a knife and, upon being mocked again, chased the boys, ultimately stabbing Cherno Manneh.
These are unconfirmed rumours, and the public is urged to rely on official court proceedings for accurate information regarding the case.
