The Supreme Court of Liberia, acting through its Chambers Justice, Her Honor Jamesetta H. Wolokolie, has declined to issue a writ of certiorari in a high-profile arson case marked by grave allegations of torture and sodomy.
The decision paves the way for Criminal Court “A” to resume jurisdiction over the matter and continue proceedings against the accused, J. Fonati Kofa, Dixon W. Seboe, Abu B. Kamara, and Jacob C. Debbie, despite documented claims of severe abuse in state custody.
In an official communication dated October 8, 2025, addressed to His Honor Roosevelt Z. Willie, Resident Judge of Criminal Assizes “A,” the Supreme Court’s Clerk, Clir. Sam Mamulu, wrote:
“By directive of Her Honor Jamesetta H. Wolokolie, Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, you are hereby mandated to resume jurisdiction, and proceed in keeping with law, as the Justice has declined to issue the writ prayed for. The stay order of September 25, 2025, is hereby ordered lifted.”
Medical Evidence of Torture Overlooked
The petitioners had filed for a writ of certiorari, citing procedural irregularities and alleging that they were subjected to torture and sodomy while in custody.
A medical examination report submitted with the petition reportedly corroborates those claims, noting injuries consistent with abuse.
Despite this, the Chambers Justice declined to intervene, offering no public explanation and effectively ending Supreme Court oversight of the case.
Human rights advocates say the Court’s refusal to engage with the allegations raises serious concerns about judicial indifference in the face of state violence.
“Justice Denied Is Torture Legalized”
“This directive is more than procedural, it’s symbolic,” said a senior member of the Liberia National Bar Association, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“When the Supreme Court declines to examine credible claims of torture supported by medical evidence, it sends a dangerous message: that such abuse will go unchallenged.”
The stay order issued on September 25, 2025, temporarily halted the trial to allow for Supreme Court review.
Its lifting now clears the way for Judge Willie to resume proceedings, despite unresolved allegations that due process was violated and the accused were abused while in custody.
The defense counsels have argued that this decision sets a precedent that could erode public confidence in the judiciary and weaken protections against abuse.
“If medical documentation of torture is insufficient to warrant judicial review, what does that say about the strength of human rights protections in Liberia?” asked one of the defense counsels.
“This could open the door to unchecked misconduct by state actors.”
The case has garnered national and international attention, not only because of the high-profile status of the defendants, but also due to its implications for the rule of law and Liberia’s obligations under international human rights conventions.
Adding to concerns is the Supreme Court’s silence on its reasoning. No written opinion or legal rationale was issued by Justice Wolokolie explaining why the petition was denied, further fueling criticism of judicial opacity.
“The Supreme Court is not beyond accountability,” a local civil society coalition said in a statement. “Liberians have a right to know why allegations of torture, when supported by medical evidence, are being ignored by the country’s highest court.”
With the matter now back before Criminal Court “A,” the burden falls on the lower court to ensure a fair trial and to confront the serious allegations that remain unresolved.
Whether the trial can proceed in a manner that respects the rights of the accused, and addresses the shadow cast by the torture claims, remains to be seen.
For now, the Supreme Court’s silence speaks volumes.
