Police have charged a senior reporter of the Voice Newspaper Momodou Justice Darboe with “false publication”. 

The paper has been embroiled in a lawsuit threat from Barrow’s lawyers over its Monday publication that President Barrow has chosen QGroup boss Muhammed Jah as his successor for the 2026 presidential election.

The reporter and his managing editor Musa Sheriff were invited yesterday for questioning at the Police Headquarters in Banjul. Mr Sheriff was released on bail and asked to report back to the headquarters Friday. 

“The police, on Thursday, September 26, arrested Musa Sheriff and Momodou Darboe of The Voice Newspaper. While Musa Sheriff was released on bail, Momodou Darboe was charged with false publication and broadcasting, contrary to the laws of The Gambia.

“The charges stem from an article published by Darboe, which allegedly contains misleading information intended to cause public alarm,” police said.

However, Gambian journalists and activists have been rallying solidarity with the local newspaper and its two staff, while condemning their arrest and charges.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba