By Gareyson Yaba Neufville
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, has issued a stern warning to judicial officials in Maryland County, urging them to shun corrupt practices that undermine public trust in the nation’s courts.
Speaking at the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court in Harper during his tour of southeastern Liberia, Chief Justice Gbeisay stressed that the judiciary must serve justice, not exploit citizens for personal gain.
“The judiciary is not a hub to rob poor citizens for the purpose of making money,” he declared. “If anyone believes their salary is too small, they should leave the job and find another means of livelihood.”
The Chief Justice noted that some individuals enter government service for the wrong reasons, including exploiting ordinary citizens who come to the courts seeking justice. He warned that such behavior erodes the credibility of the judicial system and damages its reputation.
Calling on judges, magistrates, court clerks, and other judicial staff to uphold integrity, Chief Justice Gbeisay stressed the need for fairness, transparency, and accountability.
“Allegations of corruption and selective justice have long affected public perception of our courts. It is time to set a new precedent in the justice sector,” he said.
He added that corrupt practices within the judiciary discourage citizens from pursuing justice through proper channels, fueling violence and mob justice in communities.
Under his leadership, the Chief Justice vowed that judicial officers found engaging in corruption would be investigated and, if guilty, prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
His visit to Maryland County forms part of a nationwide tour aimed at strengthening Liberia’s judiciary, engaging court personnel, and restoring public confidence in the justice system.
In a related development, Chief Justice Gbeisay has warned Associate Magistrate Emmanuel Nyepan of the Pleebo Magisterial Court that he will face a full investigation over allegations of exploiting money from citizens in Maryland County.
The Chief Justice made the statement on Thursday, February 12, during an open interaction session with judicial actors at the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court in Harper.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Gbeisay disclosed that a formal complaint had been filed in Monrovia against Magistrate Nyepan several days earlier. According to the complaint, the magistrate allegedly ordered the imprisonment of three individuals—including a pastor—who were brought before the Pleebo Magisterial Court on charges of criminal trespass.
The Chief Justice explained that the magistrate allegedly detained the defendants without completing the necessary investigation and demanded a bond fee of US$1,300 for their release. When the accused individuals were unable to pay the amount, they reportedly remained in detention.
However, reports indicate that the magistrate later released the detainees after receiving 35,000 Liberian dollars from them.
Chief Justice Gbeisay described the alleged conduct as unacceptable and damaging to the credibility of Liberia’s judicial system.
“Magistrate Nyepan, let me make it clear to you in this gathering that you will be investigated, and if you are found guilty, I will immediately dismiss you from your position,” the Chief Justice stated firmly.
He emphasized that the judiciary must lead by example if it expects citizens to respect the rule of law. According to him, actions such as alleged extortion and abuse of judicial authority undermine public confidence in the justice system and discourage citizens from pursuing legal remedies through the courts.
“When people believe the courts are corrupt or unfair, they may resort to violence or other illegal means to resolve disputes within their communities,” he said.
“The justice system rests on us. We must begin to set precedence among ourselves before we can hold others accountable.”
He further stressed that the time has come to reshape Liberia’s judicial system and ensure that judicial officers operate with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the rights of citizens.
The investigation into the allegations against Magistrate Nyepan is expected to determine whether disciplinary actions, including possible dismissal, will be taken.
Meanwhile, when contacted at the end of the judiciary actors’ open meeting with the Chief Justice regarding the allegations, Magistrate Nyepan declined to grant a media interview.
