Dear Sir

INCIDENT AT THE POLICE ANTICRIME HEADQUARTERS AT BANJULUNDING

I write to register my extreme disappointment at the conduct of some officers stationed at the police Anti-Crime Headquarters located in Banjulunding.

Having obtained instructions from his family to represent Mr Ousainou Bojang (Mr Bojang). The alleged murderer of two on-duty police officers at the Sukuta Traffic Lights on 12 September 2023. I made efforts to locate and conference with him yesterday afternoon.

On my way to Banjulunding, where I learned he was kept, a Clerk of Dabanani Chambers alerted me Mr Bojang was being arraigned at Kanifing Magistrates Court.

When I reached the Court, he was remanded at the State Central Prisons, Mile 2 (Mile 2). Upon arrival and enquiry at Mile 2 at about 13:57 hours, I was informed at the gate reception that Mr Bojang was not in custody.

Based on my experience, I checked with the anti-crime offices at Banjulunding. One “Inspector Badjie,” told me I needed to leave the compound so he could consult with the Panel interrogating Mr Bojang as to whether I could see him. I refused on the grounds the office is public property and vast enough to allow Inspector Badjie to privately consult with the Panel whilst I wait at the open-air reception desk.

At about 15:10 hours, Officer Corr volunteered to check with the Panel and returned within minutes to say it was busy with Mr Bojang and that I could see him later but specifically warned he could not tell when that would be. He, too, insisted I should leave the compound by escorting me outside.

An accused in such a heinous crime notwithstanding. Mr Bojang was entitled to the constitutional right presuming him innocent, as well as the right to access legal counsel.

The greatest failing of the police was that a Court Order was blatantly violated when Mr Bojang was taken to the anti-crime offices at Banjulunding for further questioning when he was EXPRESSLY judicially remanded at Mile 2.

How your officers interface with the public is central to national security, and you must build a culture of openness, dignity, and fairness within the police for more considerable confidence in this critical institution.

As of this morning, Mr Bojang is still not at Mile 2.

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