The third State Witness Mama Jabbi was cross-examined by Counsel Lamin J. Darboe in the trial of Ousainou Bojang and Sister who is accused of Killing the two officers and injuring one while the sister helped him to escape the Jurisdiction.
The cross-examined by Counsel Darboe began with Mama Jabbi’s (the witness) whereabouts and interactions with the accused (Ousainou Bojang). During the cross-examination, it was established that Mama Jabbi arrived in Julundung on Tuesday and met the 1st accused person on Wednesday. She stated that she did not spend a month in Dakar and denied receiving any payment for capturing the 1st accused. She also testified that the 1st accused was handed over to the Gambia Police at the border between Julundung and Silitii.
Counsel Lamin J. Darboe also inquired about Mama Jabbi’s living arrangements, to which she clarified that she was staying at a friend’s house, Yai Faal. She further revealed that Yai Faal was present when the 1st accused visited her (Mama Jabbi) at the friend’s house and the friend Yai Faal was cooking at the time.
Counsel Darboe further questioned Mama Jabbi about her awareness of a reward of one million promised by President Barrow for anyone who captures the accused. Mama Jabbi claimed that she was not aware of such a pledge.
The cross-examination also touched upon Mama Jabbi’s knowledge of the shooting at a traffic light. She stated that she became aware of it on Wednesday at the 1st accused arrived at her home around 2 am telling her of killing two police officers.
When questioned about which language she was communicating with Ousaiou Bajang, the witness (Mama Jabbi) responded that she communicated with the accused in Manndinka.
When asked about who picked up the witness from their compound, Mama Jabbi stated that it was the Julundung police who had taken him from her home.
Counsel Darboe continued the examination, seeking more information about the arrest. Mama Jabbi confirmed that it was indeed the police who had arrested him. Moving on, Counsel Darboe inquired about whether Mama Jabbi’s friend, Yai Faal, had provided a statement to the police. Mama Jabbi responded by stating that he was not aware of her friend (Yai Faal) giving a statement.
Counsel Darboe further pressed Mama Jabbi’s memory, asking if he recalled the time he called Musa Camara. Mama Jabbi clarified that after calling Julundung police, she subsequently called Musa Camara and informed him that the alleged killer, Ousainou, was with him.
Counsel Lamin J. Darboe proceeded, now focusing on the presence of Yai Faal when the first accused confessed to committing the murders. Mama Jabbi affirmed that Yai Faal was indeed present during that conversation.
At this point, Counsel J Darboe sought the court’s order to request Africell and QCELL to produce the call log of Mama Jabbi. The purpose of this request was to use the call log as a tool during the cross-examination of the witness. However, Counsel for the state, A.M. Yusuf, objected to the request, arguing that it would waste the witness’s time and noting that witnesses do not have time. The court granted the request by counsel J. Darboe.
Justice Jaiteh, the presiding judge, recognized the importance of the witness, Mama Jabbi, to both the state and the defense. Therefore, Justice Jaiteh deemed it appropriate to grant the defense’s request for the production of Mama Jabbi’s call log for a thorough cross-examination of the witness. The case was adjourned to the 28th of November 2023.
