The Supreme Court of the Republic of Liberia has denied the petition filed by Christian Kofa, John Nyanti, Eric Susay, Thomas Isaac Etheridge, and Stephen Broh, prominent defendants in an ongoing arson case, seeking relief from continued detention.
The defendants, who are currently standing trial at the First Judicial Circuit Criminal Assizes “A” in Montserrado County, had requested the Court to issue a writ of mandamus compelling Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie to release them pending trial. This followed Judge Willie’s refusal to free the defendants despite having earlier approved their bail bonds.
The case involves serious charges, including arson, criminal mischief, conspiracy, solicitation, aggravated assault, illegal possession of firearms, reckless endangerment, and theft of property.
In their petition, the defendants argued that the trial judge’s refusal to release them violated their constitutional rights, specifically the right to bail and protections against excessive punishment under the Liberian Constitution of 1986.
The prosecution had filed exceptions to the bail bond, to which the defendants responded with a motion to justify surety. The trial court denied the defendants’ requests for immediate release pending resolution of these exceptions.
During the hearings, the prosecution was permitted to subpoena the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to challenge the authenticity of documents attached to the defendants’ bail bond. Despite objections from the defense, the judge allowed the subpoena.
The defendants also sought the recusal of Judge Willie, citing past statements about threats to his safety related to the case, which they argued compromised his impartiality. This motion was also denied.
Legal counsel representing the petitioners included J. Quiwue Dennis, Momolu G. Kandakai, Jonathan T. Massaquoi, Arthur T. Johnson, James N. Kumeh, and M. Wilkins Wright.
The Supreme Court’s denial means that the defendants will remain in detention pending the continuation of their trial at the Circuit Court. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s deference to trial court discretion in bail-related matters, even amid serious charges.
This decision may have lasting implications on how bail rights and judicial conduct are managed in high-profile criminal cases in Liberia.
