Prominent businessman and politician Mohamed Omodu Kamara, known as Jagaban, has denied claims that he bribed a referee during a Central One Football Association (COFA) Community League match.
The match saw Kossoh Town defeat Kroo Town Road, leading to violence that has since resulted in the indefinite suspension of the league. Supporters of Kroo Town Road accused Jagaban of manipulating the result through bribery. However, his media team strongly refuted any involvement in the officiating or the subsequent violence.
Gibrill Saidu “Buzzom” Kamara, a spokesperson for Jagaban, stated that he was unaware of the events and was not present during the match. “Jagaban is a peaceful man and his character would not allow him to do or encourage anything violent,” he said, emphasising that Jagaban was at home when the incident occurred on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Tensions rose after the match, resulting in violent clashes in the Kroo Town Road community, which reportedly claimed three lives and caused damage to property.
In response, the Western Area Football Association (WAFA) announced the immediate and indefinite suspension of all COFA fixtures pending a thorough investigation. WAFA’s Administrative Secretary James Sanu confirmed this decision, noting that authorities will investigate the reported deaths.
WAFA described the violence as a serious threat to football and public safety. While COFA had initially postponed a match between Kossoh Town and Fourah Bay, WAFA deemed this action insufficient and stated that no matches will take place until further notice.
