Monrovia, Liberia – Supreme Court Justice in Chambers Yamie Quaqua Gbeisay has ordered the recusal of Criminal Court “C” Resident Judge A. Blamo Dixon from presiding over the high-profile economic sabotage case involving former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and others.
Justice Gbeisay’s ruling emphasized the need for impartiality and transparency in the judicial process, underscoring that every litigant, including the state, is entitled to a fair trial before an unbiased judge. “In the interest of transparency and justice, the judge must recuse himself,” Justice Gbeisay stated while upholding the alternative writ issued in the case.
The controversy surrounding Judge Dixon’s impartiality arose from a series of actions that defense attorneys argued demonstrated bias. In a second petition filed in December 2024, Prosecutors highlighted concerns over Judge Dixon’s conduct, including his remarks suggesting that the detention of co-defendant Samuel D. Tweah Jr. could jeopardize the prosecution’s case.
Defense attorneys had initially opposed the recusal petition, asserting that there were no legal grounds to justify the judge’s removal, as recusal in Liberia typically hinges on conflicts of interest, familial connections, or other statutory criteria. However, Justice Gbeisay clarified that even the appearance of bias undermines the integrity of the judicial process, warranting the judge’s removal to preserve public confidence in the trial’s fairness.
State prosecutors had previously raised similar concerns about Judge Dixon’s impartiality but failed to let him step down. This latest decision marks a significant shift and reflects the Supreme Court’s commitment to ensuring justice is served in a case of such national importance.
