The Supreme Court of Liberia has denied a petition for a writ of mandamus filed by defendants Christian Kofa, John Nyanti, Eric Susay, Thomas Isaac Etheridge, and Stephen Broh, who are currently facing trial at the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes “A,” Montserrado County. The petitioners, who stand accused in connection with a high-profile arson case, sought the Court’s intervention to compel Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie to release them from detention pending trial.
The move followed Judge Willie’s decision to keep them in custody despite previously approving their bail bonds. The case involves multiple charges, including arson, criminal mischief, conspiracy, solicitation, aggravated assault, illegal possession of firearms, reckless endangerment, and theft of property. In their filing, the defendants argued that their continued detention violated their constitutional rights to bail and protection against excessive punishment under the 1986 Liberian Constitution.
They contended that Judge Willie’s refusal to release them, even after bail approval, was unjustifiable and unlawful. However, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s handling of the matter. The Court noted that the prosecution had raised exceptions to the bail bond and that the defendants were required to justify their sureties before release. As part of the proceedings, the trial court permitted the prosecution to subpoena the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to verify documents attached to the bail bond. Despite objections from the defense, the judge allowed the subpoena, citing the need for thorough scrutiny. Additionally, the defendants sought Judge Willie’s recusal, arguing that past statements he made about threats to his safety undermined his impartiality.
That motion was also denied by the trial court. Represented by a team of legal counsels, including J. Quiwue Dennis, Momolu G. Kandakai, Jonathan T. Massaquoi, Arthur T. Johnson, James N. Kumeh, and M. Wilkins Wright, the petitioners turned to the Supreme Court for relief. In its ruling, the Supreme Court denied the petition, effectively affirming that the defendants will remain in detention while the trial continues at the Circuit Court. This decision highlights the judiciary’s deference to trial courts in bail-related disputes, particularly in cases involving serious criminal allegations. Legal analysts note that the ruling could shape future debates over bail rights, judicial discretion, and due process in Liberia’s justice system.
