A local businessman, Mr. Tony Lawah, has publicly denied allegations linking him to the controversial eviction carried out on February 21, 2026, in the New Georgia Junction area of Gardnersville, describing the claims as “false, misleading and devilish.”
Speaking at a press briefing in Monrovia, Lawah expressed “professional pain and disappointment” over what he termed a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation through “disgusting lies and propaganda.”
The eviction in question stems from a Writ of Possession issued by the Civil Law Court for Montserrado County during its December Term A.D. 2025.
The court order directed the Sheriff of Montserrado County to place the plaintiff; Chauncy Morris-represented by his attorneys-in-fact Robert Morris and Andrea Morris-in possession of a parcel of land located in Gardnersville, in accordance with a prior court ruling dated August 21, 2025.
The writ further mandated that the named defendants be “ousted, evicted and ejected” from the property, with enforcement carried out under the supervision of court officers and in line with the law.
The February 21 enforcement operation, reportedly conducted by court sheriffs with the support of officers of the Liberia National Police, drew public attention after it turned chaotic, with emotional scenes of displaced residents and damaged properties circulating widely on local media.
Addressing the incident, Lawah said:
“On the 21st of February 2026, like all of you, I equally came across media reports of some demolition being carried out by court sheriffs accompanied by members of the Liberia National Police. We all saw it turn violent, with distressed families and property owners crying out on live camera for help and mercy.”
While acknowledging the authority of the courts, he added:
“It is true that I do not in any way stand against the enforcement of court mandates and the rule of law, but as a human myself, I felt sad like most of you seeing people losing their investments and homes in just a single day—something they built over years.”
Lawah stated that shortly after the incident, his name and image began circulating widely on social media and in community discussions as the alleged orchestrator of the eviction.
“I started to receive baseless and concerted media reports carrying my name and photos as the person behind the New Georgia eviction, with some falsely claiming that I am using a single land deed to hijack people’s properties across Gardnersville,” he said.
He categorically denied any involvement:
“I want to state clearly: I, Mr. Tony Lawah, neither have no idea, no connection with, nor am I a party to the February 21, 2026 New Georgia Junction eviction. Any news or report on the contrary is false, misleading and devilish.”
Lawah urged the public to demand proof from anyone making such claims:
“Whenever people come to evict you and call my name as the person behind it, please ask them to show you evidence.”
He further alleged that unnamed individuals were using his identity as a scapegoat to conceal their own actions:
“Some very wicked elements within our society, who are themselves abusing power and grabbing land from poor and powerless people, are the source of these cover-up lies against my person.”
Highlighting his ties to the community, Lawah emphasized his long-standing presence and contributions:
“I have lived in and established businesses in this community for many years as a proud and productive son, helping and supporting families—mostly the marginalized.”
He also framed his stance in moral and religious terms:
“As a Christian and God-fearing man, I will never act outside the law or abuse the rights of my fellow human beings. I would rather negotiate with people instead of demolishing their lives and hopes in such a wicked manner.”
Referencing the court document, Lawah pointed out that his name does not appear in the case:
“The writ of possession clearly names Chauncy Morris as plaintiff versus Amos Daweyea, Mulbah Bayyan, Ma Vat et al. Members of the press, do you hear or see my name in this? So why is my name and picture being used? This is evil and dangerous to my life and safety.”
He concluded by calling for responsible reporting and verification of facts before publication, warning that misinformation could incite unnecessary tensions within communities.
“For far too long, I have been wrongly accused and my name used as a scapegoat in places where I have no dealings. These are all lies in the absence of evidence.”
The incident continues to spark debate over land ownership disputes, enforcement methods, and the broader challenges surrounding property rights in urban Liberia.
