By: Abdoulie John
The high-profile defamation lawsuit filed by Environment Minister Rohey John-Manjang against senior journalist Kebba Ansu Manneh of The Alkamba Times (TAT) was once again adjourned on Monday to June 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
When the case was called, the court noted that counsel for the defendant, Kebba Ansu Manneh, had written informing the court of his illness. The plaintiff’s side acknowledged receipt of the letter. The trial judge, while admitting the correspondence, stressed that a medical report should ideally support future applications for adjournment on health grounds.
The case stems from a June 19, 2024, investigative report published by The Alkamba Times titled “Environment Minister, Former LRR Governor Accused of Involvement in Illegal Transaction of Seized Logs.” Minister John-Manjang claims the article contained “malicious and unfounded allegations” against her.
In her suit, the minister is demanding D50 million in damages, a public unreserved apology to be published on The Alkamba Times website and all other platforms where the story appeared, and the immediate removal of all allegedly defamatory statements from social media. She is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Manneh, his agents, associates, or contacts from publishing any further defamatory material about her.
Counsel Junkung Jobarteh is representing The Alkamba Times and journalist Kebba Ansu Manneh at the trial. The media outlet and its Senior Investigative Reporter have maintained their stance, standing firmly by the published article and vowing neither to retract it nor apologize to the minister.
The matter had been expected to address possible amendments to the plaintiff’s claims during Monday’s hearing, following indications given at the previous adjourned date. The case continues to draw significant attention as it pits a senior government official against the country’s independent press.
