The murder trial of three suspects accused of killing former audit office staff member Ousman Jarju was halted today at the High Court in Banjul when the defense lawyer failed to appear, delaying a case that has gripped the nation. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh adjourned the proceedings to June 23, 2025, after receiving written notice from the defense counsel citing an unavoidable engagement.
The trial revolves around the brutal stabbing of Ousman Jarju near Palma Rima Beach on September 8, 2021. Principal suspect Hadim Jeng, alongside co-accused Muhammed Njie and Muhammed Touray, faces murder charges, with all three pleading not guilty. The case has sparked widespread attention due to its violent nature and allegations of police misconduct during the investigation.
Today’s session was set to feature a critical “trial within a trial” to evaluate the admissibility of statements allegedly made by Jeng. In earlier hearings, Jeng claimed that police at Kotu Station physically assaulted him, coercing statements he denies writing. The court had instructed Jeng to produce a witness to support these allegations, a crucial step that could influence the trial’s outcome. The defense lawyer’s absence has postponed this testimony, leaving Jarju’s family and the public in limbo.
The court also addressed a bail application for Muhammad Njie. The defense argued that Njie, a minor at the time of his arrest but no longer one, should be granted bail. However, Justice Jaiteh denied the request, ruling that Njie is not eligible for release.
Jarju’s murder has raised serious concerns about safety and justice in Banjul, with the trial spotlighting allegations of police overreach. The admissibility of Jeng’s contested statements remains central, as the defense’s claims of coercion could alter the case’s trajectory. The courtroom, packed with observers, awaits answers about Jarju’s tragic death.
The trial will resume on June 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM, when a key witness is expected to testify in the voir dire, potentially shaping this high-profile case. Until then, Jarju’s family and his community continue their pursuit of justice for the former audit staff member, whose killing has left an indelible mark.
