By: Abdoulie John
In a significant escalation of the high-profile defamation case pitting Environment Minister Rohey John Manjang against investigative journalist Kebba Ansu Manneh of The Alkamba Times, defense counsel Junkung Jobarteh on Tuesday filed an amended statement of defense designed to put the minister to the “strictest test of proof.”
The case revolves around a June 19, 2024, investigative report titled “Environment Minister, Former LRR Governor Accused of Involvement in Illegal Transaction of Seized Logs.” Minister Manjang claims the article contained malicious and unfounded allegations against her. She is seeking D50 million in damages, a public unreserved apology to be published across The Alkamba Times platforms, immediate removal of the allegedly defamatory material from social media, and a perpetual injunction barring further publications.
When the matter came up for hearing at the High Court in Banjul on Tuesday, Jobarteh formally disclosed the revised defense documents.
The plaintiff’s counsel requested additional time, informing the court that the amended statement was only received on June 22, 2026.
In the amended defense, Manneh stands firmly by his reporting. Court documents state that multiple sources informed the journalist that the buyer of the seized logs paid D200,000, with D150,000 allegedly deposited into an account linked to the minister.
Legal observers believe the amended defense will almost certainly compel Minister Manjang to take the witness stand and face cross-examination by Jobarteh.
The presiding judge adjourned proceedings and fixed continuation for Monday, July 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
The development marks a turning point in the case, shifting pressure onto the plaintiff to substantiate her claims in open court. Both parties are expected to return with sharpened legal arguments as the matter heads toward full trial.
