Tensions remain high in the Capitol Arson case as Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie on Monday, August 18, 2025, issued a ruling denying a motion filed by defense lawyers seeking his recusal from the high-profile proceedings.
The motion, filed on behalf of six co-defendants including Christian Koffa and John Nyanti, alleged judicial bias, citing recent media reports and claims of unfair pretrial rulings.
During the 7th Day Jury Sitting of the August Term of Criminal Court “A”, defense attorneys, led by Cllrs. Jonathan T. Massaquoi and M. Wilkins Wright, argued that Judge Willie’s continued involvement in the case compromises the defendants’ right to a fair and impartial trial.
The basis of their motion included concerns over: Alleged threats against Judge Willie published in the Daily Observer on June 27, 2025, suggesting a possible assassination attempt linked to the Capitol Arson case; A second publication dated July 7, 2025, which cited growing public concern over the prolonged detention of the accused, despite their bail bond being approved by the court;
Claims that the judge’s refusal to release the co-defendants, despite the bond’s approval, demonstrates partiality; Objections to procedural rulings related to bond justification hearings.
Defense counsel argued that these circumstances created a perception of bias and warranted Judge Willie’s recusal or the transfer of the case to another judge.
Prosecution Fires Back
The State, represented by a legal team from the Ministry of Justice, including Cllrs. Jerry D. K. Garlawolo and Richard Scott, Jr., opposed the motion.
They emphasized that none of the legally recognized grounds for judicial recusal had been met.
According to Liberian law, a judge may only recuse themselves for specific reasons, including conflict of interest, familial ties to a party, or prior involvement as counsel in the case, none of which, the Prosecution argued, apply in this matter.
The State further noted that newspaper publications, including those referenced by the Defense, do not constitute legal grounds for recusal, and accused the Defense of engaging in delay tactics to derail proceedings.
The Prosecution also asserted that the bail bond remains under scrutiny, with allegations of forged documents prompting the court to subpoena the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for verification.
Judge’s Ruling: Freedom of Press vs. Rule of Law
In his ruling, Judge Willie dismissed the Defense’s concerns as legally insufficient. Citing both the Table Mountain Declaration and the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act, he underscored Liberia’s commitment to press freedom, arguing that media reports, however provocative, do not constitute evidence of judicial bias or conflict.
“The publications were made independently by the press,” Judge Willie stated. “This Court has not directed any media institution to report on its proceedings, and neither does such reporting impact the impartiality of this Court.”
The judge also clarified the status of the bail bond issue, noting that the first bond was withdrawn voluntarily by the Defense after Prosecution raised valid exceptions.
A second bond, though approved, is currently under challenge due to suspicions of fraudulent documentation.
Judge Willie emphasized that the matter before the court is not about denying bail but ensuring the authenticity of bond documents before any release can be executed.
Defense Takes Exception
Following the denial of the motion, Defense Counsel formally excepted to the Court’s ruling and gave notice of intent to pursue appellate relief, likely before the Supreme Court of Liberia.
As the trial proceeds, public scrutiny remains intense, especially given the political profile of several defendants, including former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and Representatives Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, and Jacob Debbie, who were previously released under similar bail terms.
The next phase of the trial will involve testimony from LRA officials, expected to either confirm or refute the legitimacy of documents tied to the defendants’ bail bonds.
