Monrovia, Liberia- In a significant response to public outcry, Chief Justice Sie-Nyene G. Yuoh has suspended Stipendiary Magistrate Ernest Bana from the Brewerville Magisterial Court following the viral arrest of a female graduate on her graduation day.
The incident, captured on video and shared by exiled activist Martin Kollie, showed the graduate being handcuffed in her gown by a court sheriff, igniting widespread condemnation and allegations of rights violations.
An investigation into the matter revealed that Magistrate Bana allegedly directed court officials to issue an arrest warrant after a confrontation arose between the graduate’s parents and the school principal regarding a $10 gown fee.
The principal had reportedly raised concerns for his safety after the dispute.
In response to the growing concerns, the Ministry of Education sought clarification on the legality of the arrest, prompting Chief Justice Yuoh to initiate an investigation.
While Magistrate Bana claimed he did not issue the warrant and cited miscommunication, inconsistencies in his statements led to his three-month suspension without pay.
Additionally, the Ministry of Justice has stripped the city solicitor of their status in connection with the case.
In light of the incident, Chief Justice Yuoh has implemented further administrative changes, including the reassignment of several court clerks and the dismissal of a staff member involved.
Moreover, all public defenders in Montserrado County have been instructed to leave the magisterial courts and return to the circuit courts, although the reasons for this directive remain unclear.
Cllr. T. Joseph Debblay, Coordinator of Public Defenders, communicated this decision in a memo to his team.
