MONROVIA, Liberia — Chief of Staff to former President George Weah, Lenn Eugene Nagbe, has raised concerns over the continued detention of Jerry Nyantee Wrato, as lawyers affiliated with the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and other attorneys reportedly seek his release through a writ of habeas corpus.
Nagbe said that, as of noon Tuesday, September 22, Wrato remained detained at the Central Police Station without having been charged and forwarded to court.
According to Nagbe, Wrato had been in police custody for approximately 120 hours since his arrest in River Gee County, which he described as a violation of the suspect’s constitutional rights.
The former presidential chief of staff said CDC lawyers, alongside other lawyers, had filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus before the First Judicial Circuit Court, Criminal Assizes “B.”
Nagbe said the court has issued the writ, seeking to compel the Minister of Justice, her deputies, the Inspector General of Police, his deputies, and all officers having custody of Wrato to immediately release him.
His comments come amid a continuing dispute over Wrato’s detention following allegations involving AI-generated content concerning Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung.
The Liberia National Police has maintained that its investigation into Wrato has concluded and that he is to face four alleged cybercrime offenses, including misuse of devices, cyberstalking, distribution of data messages that incite damage to property or violence, and distribution of harmful data messages.
Police have also said that the decision to charge Wrato does not constitute a determination of guilt and that he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence and other constitutional protections pending judicial proceedings.
The reported habeas corpus action now adds another legal dimension to the case, with the court expected to address the circumstances surrounding Wrato’s continued detention.
