Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has strongly condemned a violent attack on the home of Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie of Criminal Court “A,” Montserrado County.
The incident, which occurred on the night of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, involved a group of unidentified men armed with machetes and sticks who reportedly attempted to break into the Judge’s residence.
According to a statement issued by the LNBA and signed by its Secretary General, Cllr. Elisha T. J. Forkeyoh, the attackers, riding motorcycles, were only repelled after the swift intervention of armed police officers. This marks the third reported attack on Judge Willie’s home, raising serious concerns over the safety of judicial officers in Liberia.
The Bar Association, through its President Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, described the attack as “an act of gangsterism” and “a direct assault on the independence of the judiciary.” The LNBA warned that such incidents erode public trust in the justice system and threaten the rule of law.
“This is not just an attack on one individual, it is an attack on our entire judicial system,” said Cllr. Varmah. “Judges must be able to carry out their duties free from fear, threats, or intimidation.”
The LNBA also expressed concern over similar threats and intimidation reported by other members of the judiciary, including anonymous messages and attempted intrusions at other judicial residences.
In its call to action, the LNBA urged the Ministry of Justice and national security agencies to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the attack and prosecute the perpetrators without delay.
The Bar also demanded that the Liberian National Police deploy permanent security personnel to Judge Willie’s home and provide similar protection for other judicial officers facing credible threats.
“The Government of Liberia has both a constitutional and moral duty to ensure the safety of its citizens, especially those serving in high-risk public roles,” the statement added. “Judge Willie, as a presiding judge over sensitive and high-profile cases, must be given enhanced security immediately.”
Despite the troubling circumstances, the LNBA ended its statement on a celebratory note by extending warm birthday wishes to Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, who recently turned 70.
Describing her as a pillar of integrity and service, the Bar lauded Chief Justice Yuoh for her decades-long contribution to Liberia’s legal system and praised her leadership on the nation’s highest court.
“Your life of service continues to inspire generations of legal professionals,” the LNBA stated. “We pray for your continued good health, long life, and divine blessings. Happy 70th Birthday, Chief Justice!”
As the investigation unfolds, the legal community and wider public remain watchful, demanding that justice be served swiftly, not only for Judge Willie but in defense of the judiciary as a whole.
