–In White, With Cow Tail Raised High, Contempt Convict Leaves Prison to Wife’s Joy, Battle Cry and Final Declaration
MONROVIA, LIBERIA — After six months behind the walls of the Monrovia Central Prison, Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, popularly known as Prophet Key, has walked back into freedom—dressed in white from head to toe, surrounded by riot police, embraced by his wife and leaving behind a striking declaration of personal transformation.
Prophet Key officially walked out of the Monrovia Central Prison on Friday, bringing to an end his six-month incarceration following his conviction for criminal contempt by the Supreme Court of Liberia.
The release quickly turned into a dramatic and emotional scene as family members, journalists and onlookers gathered outside the prison to witness his return to freedom.
“He Is My King”
Earlier, as she arrived at the Monrovia Central Prison to await her husband’s release, Mama Key, Prophet Key’s wife, could be seen smiling broadly as journalists approached her.
Asked how she felt about the imminent release, she responded with unmistakable emotion:
“I am very happy. I want to see my husband. He is my king.”
Her words captured the anticipation surrounding the moment as she waited for the prison gates to open and reunite her with her husband after six months apart.
Prophet Emerges in White
When the prison gates finally opened, Prophet Key emerged wearing a white trouser suit and a pair of white sneakers, creating a striking image as cameras followed his every step.
Earlier, journalists had been told by one of his family members, identified as Boy Key, that the Prophet would walk out wearing a designer suit reportedly valued at about US$500.
Instead, Prophet Key appeared in an all-white outfit, adding an unexpected visual dimension to an already highly anticipated release.
Heavy Police Escort
As he stepped out of the prison compound, Prophet Key was surrounded and escorted by heavy riot police toward a waiting white vehicle.
The security presence underscored the heightened attention surrounding his release and created a tense but highly charged atmosphere outside the prison.
Before he could enter the vehicle, however, Mama Key approached him.
She wrapped her arms around her husband in a big, emotional embrace before giving him a kiss, marking the long-awaited reunion.
For a brief moment, the security detail, journalists and onlookers seemed to fade into the background as husband and wife celebrated their reunion.
The Cow Tail Returns
Prophet Key then produced another familiar symbol associated with his public appearances.
He raised his famous cow tail above the heads of those gathered and shook it in the air for several seconds as cameras captured the scene.
He subsequently delivered one of his familiar battle cries in his native Gio or Dahn language, spoken in his home county of Nimba.
The cry briefly transformed the atmosphere outside the prison as the newly released Prophet appeared to celebrate his return to freedom in his own distinctive style.
“Rehabilitated, Reassimilated and Relocated”
After the battle cry, Prophet Key turned to the waiting press and offered a brief but striking statement.
“I have been rehabilitated, reassimilated and relocated,” he declared.
The statement was the only substantive comment he offered to journalists following his release.
Reporters attempted to question him about his incarceration, the Supreme Court case and what he plans to do next, but Prophet Key declined to answer further questions.
He was subsequently assisted by police officers into his waiting vehicle and driven away from the Monrovia Central Prison.
Six Months Behind Bars
Prophet Key’s release brings to an end a six-month period that placed him at the center of a major national debate over freedom of expression, criticism of the judiciary and the authority of Liberia’s courts.
He was convicted by the Supreme Court’s Full Bench on February 13, 2026, following proceedings arising from statements he made concerning members of the judiciary.
The Court imposed a six-month prison sentence along with additional conditions reportedly including an apology and a behavior bond requiring him to refrain from repeating the conduct that resulted in his conviction.
His case attracted widespread attention across Liberia, particularly on social media, where supporters and critics engaged in intense debate over the Court’s decision.
But on Friday, the legal controversy temporarily gave way to the spectacle of his release: a wife waiting for her “king,” white clothing, a family embrace, heavy police protection, a raised cow tail and a familiar battle cry.
Then came his final message.
“I have been rehabilitated, reassimilated and relocated.”
With those words, Prophet Key entered his waiting vehicle and left the prison grounds, offering no further explanation as journalists continued to seek answers.
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