A Verity News investigation has uncovered a disturbing development at the Omega Magisterial Court, where Associate Magistrate Mustapha Massaquoi has reportedly released a suspect charged with Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder and Aggravated Assault without a bail hearing or public explanation.
The defendant, George K. Namah, was charged in connection with a violent stabbing incident in the Neekley Town community of Paynesville on June 27, 2025.
His unexpected release has sparked outrage and fear within the Redhill community, where the court is located, and among local residents.
The Alleged Crime
According to police reports and a sworn complaint filed by private prosecutor Peter T. David, Namah allegedly stabbed Mr. David in the back with a knife, inflicting what was described as a “center-mater deep” wound, a life-threatening injury.
The weapon was later recovered from the crime scene and entered into evidence.
The Writ of arrest, issued by the Omega Magisterial Court on July 2, 2025, instructed Sheriff Alphonso G. Zackpah to arrest Namah and bring him before the court to face charges.
Namah was charged with Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder and Aggravated Assault in violations of Sections 14.1, 14.20, and 10.1, General Principles of Criminal Liability.
The complaint characterizes the attack as “criminal, malicious, wicked, intentional, and unwanted,” asserting that Namah acted with the clear intent to kill.
Unexpected Release Raises Red Flags
Despite the severity of the charges and the evidence presented, Magistrate Massaquoi reportedly released the defendant without a formal bail hearing or any explanation.
This decision has triggered widespread public and legal backlash, with civil society groups calling for a formal inquiry into the magistrate’s conduct.
No record of a bail hearing has been found by this investigation, a serious breach of judicial procedure, especially for violent crimes.
What Does Liberian Law Say?
According to both Criminal and Civil procedure laws of Liberia, individuals accused of crimes generally has a constitutional right to bail.
However, this right is not absolute, especially in cases involving serious offenses like attempted murder.
Here’s a breakdown of the law:
The criminal procedure law of Liberia allows for bail but sets exceptions for capital and violent crimes.
For example, crimes such as murder, armed robbery, terrorism, and other serious offenses, bail can be denied out rightly.
The doctrine of Flight Risk & Public Safety:
Courts may deny bail if the defendant poses a danger to the public or is likely to flee the jurisdiction.
Burden of Proof: In capital cases, the prosecution must show “evident proof and great presumption” of guilt to deny bail, typically through clear and convincing evidence.
Presumption of Innocence: Even in serious cases, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Magisterial Authority: Magisterial courts are permitted to grant bail in many cases, but must do so through transparent and legally grounded procedures.
In the Namah case, the absence of a bail hearing and lack of justification contradict standard practice, particularly given the violent nature of the crime and the potential risk to community safety.
A Crisis of Confidence
The unexplained release has provoked outrage from the victim’s family and local residents, who have described it as a betrayal of justice.
Legal analysts warn that such discretionary decisions, if made without transparency-threaten to undermine public trust in Liberia’s justice system.
“The duty of any magistrate, judge, or justice is to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice is done-and seen to be done, without fear or favor,” said one constitutional lawyer consulted by Verity.
Calls for Accountability
Civil society organizations and community leaders are now demanding a formal investigation into Magistrate Massaquoi’s actions and an explanation from the court regarding the legal grounds for Namah’s release, while at the same time calling for the reaffirmation of judicial commitment to transparency and procedural integrity.
The Namah case brings to light serious concerns about judicial conduct, due process, and public safety in Liberia.
Verity News will continue to monitor developments pertinent to this story.
