An investigation by Verity News has uncovered disturbing allegations in Maryland County involving a man accused of impersonating a magistrate and allegedly ordering the assault of a sitting local government official.
The man, identified as Ferdinand Clark, reportedly instructed his son, Dave Clark, and another individual, Joseph Weah Jr., to physically attack Hon. Tom Geffie Jr., the District Commissioner of Whojah in Barrobo Statutory District. The alleged incident occurred on September 2, 2025, in the town of Juluken, following a dispute over a questionable court writ.
Further inquiries by this paper reveal that the Barrobo Heritage and Education Foundation (BHEF), a leading civic and cultural institution in the district, has formally petitioned the Supreme Court of Liberia to intervene. The Foundation describes the incident as a “clear case of criminal impersonation, judicial abuse, and assault against a government official.”
Questionable Writ Leads to Violence
According to a BHEF press statement, residents contacted Commissioner Geffie after attempts were made to arrest locals based on what appeared to be a court order. Upon review, the Commissioner found the document was unsigned and lacked any official authentication.
He advised the enforcers, believed to be Dave Clark and Joseph Weah Jr., to return with a valid writ.
That advice allegedly provoked Ferdinand Clark, who is accused of ordering the two men to beat the Commissioner, an order they reportedly carried out.
BHEF also alleges that Ferdinand Clark has openly boasted about using threats and harassment to extort money from the people of Whojah District, funds which the Foundation says are being used to construct his private residence.
Magistrate Status in Question
More troubling are doubts surrounding Clark’s authority. According to BHEF, the Judiciary has no official record of Ferdinand Clark serving as a magistrate in Glofarken, where he claims jurisdiction.
Local sources say that Johnny Togba was the legitimate candidate for the post, raising serious concerns about impersonation and judicial fraud.
The Foundation has asked the Supreme Court to:
Investigate the identity and legal standing of Ferdinand Clark;
Clarify the roles of Dave Clark and Joseph Weah Jr. within the judiciary, if any;
Order a formal probe into the assault on Commissioner Geffie;
Inquire with Circuit Judge Nelson Tokpa about repeated delays in hearing the case.
Delays Fuel Frustration
The slow pace of justice has sparked frustration among citizens. BHEF notes that each trip from Barrobo to Harper, where court hearings are held, costs residents up to LRD 10,000, a sum many rural dwellers cannot afford. The group believes the repeated postponements are a tactic to frustrate the Commissioner and derail accountability.
No Arrests, No Action
Despite the matter being reported to the Maryland County Attorney and the Liberia National Police (LNP), no arrests have been made to date. Authorities have not issued any public statement regarding the case.
“Assault and aggravated assault are both criminal offenses under Liberian law,” BHEF noted, calling the silence from law enforcement and prosecutors “deeply troubling.”
BHEF Urges Calm but Demands Justice
While calling on citizens of Barrobo and Whojah to remain peaceful, the Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to justice and the rule of law.
“This goes beyond one person, it’s about the integrity of our judicial system,” said Joseph Teh Hinneh, President of BHEF.
As the case garners national attention, all eyes are now on the judiciary and security apparatus to see whether they will act, or allow impunity to take root in southeastern Liberia.
