By: Alieu Jallow
The Managing Director of The Voice Newspaper, Musa Sheriff, and his compatriot, Muhammed Justice Darboe, have pleaded not guilty in their false publication and broadcasting case, presided over by Magistrate M. Faal at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court.
According to the prosecution, the duo is charged with false publication and broadcasting, contrary to Section 181A of the Criminal Procedure Code, Cap 10:01, Volume III, Laws of The Gambia 2009.
Particulars of the Offense
Musa Sheriff and Muhammed J. Darboe, on or about the 23rd day of September 2024, at Kanifing and various places in the Republic of The Gambia, without any lawful excuse or authority, wilfully published a news article titled “President Barrow Chooses Muhammed Jah as Successor for Presidential Candidate in the 2026 Election” in The Voice newspaper, knowingly or having reason to believe that the said publication was false. You knew it to be false at the time, thereby committing an offense.
The charges followed the duo being invited for questioning at the Police Headquarters on Thursday, 26th September 2024. They were subsequently detained and granted bail, with Muhammed J. Darboe released on bail of D25,000, while Musa Sheriff, his Managing Editor, was charged and granted bail on Monday, 30th September, for D50,000.
The case was adjourned to 30th October 2024; however, both were granted bail to the tune of D100,000.
