By: Isatou Sarr
Bakary Mankajang, a journalist and digital content creator, testified in court about his interview with Mama Jabbie, shedding light on its timing, location, and context during the on-going PIU shooting case.
During cross-examination by Counsel A. Sillah, representing the second accused, Amie Bojang, Mankajang said he has been working as a journalist for about four to five years, starting as a radio journalist in 2021. He confirmed conducting a 10–11-minute interview with Mama Jabbie.
The interview took place at a compound in Yarambamba reportedly belonging to the President’s sister, although Mankajang’s prior research indicated that Mama Jabbie resided in Sukuta. He explained that Mama Jabbie herself requested the location for the interview, following her interaction with the police the morning of the recording.
Counsel Sillah questioned whether the location might have influenced Mama Jabbie’s statements, particularly given a bounty declared by the President on the first accused. Mankajang said he did not know any impact on her statements.
The journalist revealed that his digital platforms have a substantial following, with nearly 81,000 viewers on Facebook and almost 283,000 followers on TikTok, with daily views ranging between 145,000 and 150,000.
Mankajang testified that during the interview, Mama Jabbie made statements indicating suspicion of the first accused, Ousainou, and mentioned acting for the President. However, nothing in the interview implicated the second accused, Amie Bojang.
Prosecution counsel A.O. Wakawa questioned Mankajang on journalistic ethics, professional affiliations, and interactions with the police. Mankajang maintained that journalists often investigate as part of their work, but clarified that he acted professionally and within the bounds of his role, denying that he conducted the interview for personal followership or social media attention.
He also revealed that he was arrested upon returning from Jululung, although the reasons were not immediately clear. Police later cited interference with witnesses and jurisdictional issues as grounds for his arrest.
Mankajang denied knowing Mama Jabbie prior to the interview, stating he found her through an audio recording and conducted research to locate her for the interview.
The court adjourned Tuesday for the testimony of the next witness, DW11.
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By: Isatou Sarr Bakary Mankajang, a journalist and digital content creator, testified in court about his interview with Mama Jabbie,…
The post Journalist Testifies on Controversial Interview on PIU Shooting Case appeared first on .
