The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice welcomes the decision by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court in acquitting and discharging Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang. After more than two years of trial, on March 30, 2026, Judge Jaiteh freed Ousainou from the murder of PIU officers and also freed Amie Bojang of being an accomplice in this crime. This verdict is a victory for justice and a reaffirmation of the independence of the courts. However, justice does not end with acquittal. It begins there.
This case has inflicted profound and enduring harm. The life, dignity, and future of a young man and his sister, and indeed their entire family, have been severely damaged. Ousainou Bojang was publicly branded and treated as a killer despite clear indications that he was not. From the outset, statements by senior police officers and government officials, coupled with the evidence presented before the court, pointed away from him. Yet the police and prosecution persisted in pursuing Ousainou Bojang, even as the evidentiary record contradicted their case. This persistence exposes a troubling departure from the pursuit of truth and justice, suggesting that considerations other than accountability for the fallen PIU officers drove the case.
Consequently, Ousainou and Amie and their family have been subjected to stigma, trauma, and uncertainty caused by the actions of state agents and institutions. This is not merely an error, rather, it is a travesty and a gross violation of the Constitution. It is precisely in such moments that the President bears a direct and non-delegable duty to act, immediately and in full, to correct the injustice.
We remind the President and his Government that the Constitution places on them the primary duty to protect the rights and dignity of every citizen. The wrongful arrest, detention, and prosecution of Ousainou and Amie Bojang represent a grave failure of the State, one that demands urgent, concrete, and transparent action. EFSCRJ therefore calls on the President to act without delay:
- First, publicly acknowledge the court’s decision and unequivocally affirm respect for the rule of law.
- Second, institute an independent, transparent, and time-bound inquiry into the investigation and prosecution of this case. The public deserves to know how such a serious miscarriage of justice occurred.
- Third, ensure full accountability for any officials or individuals, whether in the police, prosecution, or any other state institution, and society, found responsible for misconduct, negligence, or abuse of power.
- Fourth, provide adequate compensation and reparations to Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang for the harm, trauma, loss of opportunity, and reputational damage they have suffered.
- Fifth, immediately establish a new, independent, and professionally constituted investigation into the killings of the PIU officers, separate from the original investigators and prosecutors, to uncover the truth, identify the real perpetrators, and ensure that justice is finally delivered for the fallen officers and their families.
- Sixth, undertake immediate institutional reforms in the Gambia Police Force and prosecutorial services to prevent recurrence, including strengthening safeguards against arbitrary arrest, torture, and malicious prosecution.
EFSCRJ further holds that this case must not be appealed by the prosecution. An appeal would only compound an already grave injustice where there is no credible basis to sustain the charges. The record of proceedings has exposed deep flaws and raises serious concerns about the conduct of investigators and prosecutors. The priority now must be accountability and redress, not prolonging the suffering of innocent citizens through unnecessary litigation.
This case is not an isolated incident. It reflects deeper systemic weaknesses in law enforcement, accountability, and respect for due process. If left unaddressed, such failures will continue to endanger innocent citizens and erode confidence in public institutions. The Government must understand that impunity is the enemy of justice, and accountability is the foundation of democracy.
EFSCRJ will continue to monitor this matter closely and stand with all victims of injustice in The Gambia.
2026 – Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership
