Environment Minister’s D50 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Journalist Manneh Adjourned to End of June

Minister Manjang and Journalist Manneh

By Fatoumata Jaiteh

The defamation suit involving investigative journalist Kebba Ansu Manneh of The Alkamba Times, who is being sued by Minister Rohey John Manjang, was on Monday adjourned to 23rd June 2026, at the High Court Annex in Banjul after defence counsel failed to appear before the court. The case is before Justice Sonia Akinbiyi of the High Court Annex.

When the matter was called, the court noted receipt of a letter from the defence lawyer explaining his absence. In the letter, counsel stated that he was unwell and therefore unable to attend the proceedings.

However, the presiding judge, Justice Akinbiyi, observed that the letter was not accompanied by a medical certificate or any supporting medical documentation to substantiate the claim of illness.

Justice Akinbiyi noted that, in such circumstances, it is standard practice for requests of this nature to be supported by a medical certificate or other credible evidence confirming the illness.

Despite the absence of defence counsel and the lack of supporting medical documentation, the court granted an adjournment and rescheduled the matter for hearing on 23rd June 2026.

The case is one of the most closely watched media law disputes in The Gambia, involving investigative journalist Kebba Ansu Manneh and Environment Minister Rohey John Manjang.

The dispute stems from an investigative report published by The Alkamba Times in June 2024 concerning the alleged disposal of seized mahogany logs in the Lower River Region.

The article reported allegations regarding the handling and disposal of mahogany logs that had allegedly been seized by authorities. According to the publication, sources alleged that seized mahogany timber had been sold; one mahogany tree was allegedly valued at D200,000; D150,000 from the proceeds was allegedly deposited into an account said to belong to Minister Manjang; and the remaining D50,000 was allegedly deposited into another individual's account. The report further alleged that senior public officials were connected to the transaction.

The publication presented these claims as part of an investigation into the management of public resources and forestry assets.

Minister Manjang strongly rejected the allegations shortly after publication.

No criminal charges were brought against Manneh in relation to the article. Instead, the minister filed a civil defamation suit, alleging that the publication harmed her reputation.

Under defamation law, a claimant generally argues that published statements were communicated to third parties, referred to the claimant, were false or misleading, and caused reputational harm.

Minister Manjang's case is understood to be based on these grounds.

In her suit, the minister is seeking D50 million in damages for alleged reputational injury and harm caused by the publication, in addition to other related costs.

She is also seeking D500,000 in administrative and legal costs, together with interest.

The suit reportedly requests 15 percent annual interest on the amount claimed until judgment is delivered.

Minister Manjang further demands a written apology and is asking the court to compel Manneh to issue a public retraction through the same channels that disseminated the allegations.

She is also seeking the removal of the publication, which she considers defamatory, from websites and social media platforms.

To prevent any repetition of the allegations, Minister Manjang is additionally asking the court to grant a permanent injunction restraining the publication of similar claims in the future.

What began as a public interest investigation into the management of seized forestry resources has since evolved into a high-profile defamation lawsuit. The case has attracted significant public attention because it sits at the intersection of government accountability, investigative journalism, reputation rights, and press freedom in The Gambia.