Mariama Naba Darboe, currently facing trial for allegedly insulting the president, has denied ever using offensive language toward President Adama Barrow. Taking the stand in a courtroom in Brusubi, she clarified that the word she used was “stupid,” and that it was said jokingly, not meant as an insult.
Mariama, originally from Gunjur but currently living and working in Sweden, recounted the events of July 5. She told the court that she was traveling from Tanji to Serekunda with another woman named Salimatou when their vehicle was stopped at a police checkpoint. According to her, the delay was due to the president’s convoy passing by.
Curious about the lengthy motorcade, Mariama questioned why so many vehicles were involved and why resources weren’t being directed toward healthcare or assisting the poor. “I then said, ‘what a stupid president,’ in a jovial manner,” she explained. She insisted it wasn’t meant to offend, and that she has nothing against the president — in fact, she said she likes him.
She recalled Salimatou telling her to refrain from insulting the president, adding that he was older than her. Mariama responded by saying she was 60 years old and doubted the president was older than her.
Mariama also alleged that it was Salimatou who later used the more offensive “F word” in her statement to the police — not her. Despite explaining this to the authorities, Mariama said they continued to accuse her of using the vulgar term.
She testified that she was taken to Brufut Police Station, where both her personal and work phones were seized. “I was not allowed to contact anyone,” she said, adding that she was later transferred to the Anti-Crime Office in Banjulinding. There, she was informed by an officer that she would be prosecuted.
The case has been adjourned, with both the prosecution and defense expected to file their final submissions in court.
