The resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court “A” Roosevelt Z. Willie has denied a motion to release several defendants in a high-profile arson case, despite the court’s prior approval of their bail bond.
Judge Willie clarified that while the criminal appearance bond had been approved, it does not automatically warrant the defendants’ release without a proper hearing on the bond’s validity.
He explained that following the defense’s submission of the bond, the prosecution filed an exception, arguing that the bond was insufficient. A hearing on the matter has been scheduled for August 7, 2025.
The judge further stated that the court is still in the process of verifying the sureties attached to the bond.
However, defense lawyers have strongly objected, claiming the court is violating the constitutional rights of the defendants.
They argue it is unjust and unlawful for the court to continue detaining their clients after approving the bail bond.
According to the defense, once the court approves a bond, the defendants should be released without delay.
They urged the court to suspend the hearing on the prosecution’s exception and immediately order their clients’ release.
The defense further emphasized that the charges remain allegations, and under Liberian law, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
They noted that the accused individuals have been detained at the Monrovia Central Prison since January 2025.
A bail bond was submitted and approved by the court on July 7, 2025.
Despite this, Judge Willie has yet to authorize their release, which the defense says constitutes a serious violation of their clients’ rights.
Adding to their argument, the defense pointed out that other individuals-including four lawmakers, charged in connection with the same incident are currently out on bail.
They stressed that the purpose of a criminal appearance bond is simply to guarantee the defendant’s presence in court, not to prolong pre-trial detention.
“You required us to produce human sureties, which we did,” one defense lawyer argued.
“Now that the bond has been approved, it is unfair to keep these individuals in jail. What exactly is being proven by holding them further?”
The case continues to draw public attention, especially as legal debates overdue process and equal treatment under the law intensify.
