The murder trial of Fatou Suwaneh commenced at the High Court before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh. When the indictment was read to the accused, she informed the court that she does not remember the events leading to the death of her mother, Binta Bojang.
Fatou Suwaneh faces a single count of murder contrary to Section 187 of the Criminal Code. The State alleges that on 27 October 2024, at Tujereng Village, the accused caused the death of Binta Bojang. Prosecutors claim the accused struck the victim on the head with a pestle.
During the proceedings, the accused was represented by Counsel Lamin J. Darboe and the charge was read to her the accused stated she could not remember the incident, Justice Jaiteh entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf to ensure the trial proceeded according to law.
State Counsel F. Drammeh, appearing for the Director of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the state sought an adjournment to bring their witnesses.
The State has filed a list of five witnesses and several exhibits to prove its case; Omar Bojang, the brother of the deceased, is expected to testify regarding concerns about his niece’s (the accused) mental state and the money he provided for her hospital treatment before the incident, Mariatou Bojang, sister of the deceased, will testify that on 29 October 2024, she found Binta Bojang unresponsive in her room and observed blood on the shirt of the accused.
Also, Lamin Jabang is to testify that he was informed of the accused’s mental health issues just days before the alleged murder and Detective Sergeant 4554 L. Manneh will explain how he obtained the cautionary and voluntary statements from the accused.
The prosecution intends to tender the exhibits such as the cautionary and voluntary statements of Fatou Suwaneh, a Medical Certificate, the pestle allegedly used in the attack and the blood-stained shirt.
The case has been adjourned to 24th March 2026 for the commencement of the trial.
The accused Fatou Sawaneh was in tears while being escorted by the prison security.
