By Jacqueline L. Dennis
MONROVIA – Associate Justice in Chambers, Jamesetta H. Wolokolie, has declined to issue an alternative writ of mandamus requested by defense lawyers representing Christian Kofa, John Nyanti, and others accused in the high-profile Capitol Building arson case.
The petition, filed before the Supreme Court of Liberia, sought to compel Criminal Court “A” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie to release the defendants from pretrial detention based on a criminal appearance bond already approved by the trial court.
In their petition, the defendants’ legal team argued that the bond—duly signed and submitted—should have been sufficient to guarantee their clients’ release pending trial. They claimed that the delay in releasing the accused violates their legal rights and could result in “irreparable harm and injury.”
However, Judge Willie refused to release the defendants immediately, stating he would wait to determine whether the prosecution would file formal “exceptions” to the bond. If no objections were filed, he said the defendants would be released. If objections were raised, the court would first have to rule on their merit before any release.
The defense argued that the judge’s stance was inconsistent with legal procedures, especially after the bond had already been approved and filed.
They asked the Supreme Court to intervene through a writ of mandamus, which would have compelled Judge Willie to release the accused.
But Justice Wolokolie declined to grant the writ, effectively siding with the trial court’s decision to hold the defendants in detention until the bond objection process plays out.
Background
Kofa, Nyanti, and several others are facing a string of serious charges stemming from an alleged arson attack on the Capitol Building.
Charges include Arson, Criminal Mischief, Conspiracy, Criminal Solicitation, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, Illegal Possession of a Weapon, Release of Destructive Forces, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Theft of Property.
The suspects were arrested by the Liberia National Police and subsequently charged and forwarded to the Monrovia City Court before being transferred to the Monrovia Central Prison pending court proceedings.
Their lawyers maintain that the bond submitted met all legal requirements and that continued detention constitutes a violation of due process. The petition to the Supreme Court was made in a bid to reverse what the defense described as “erroneous” rulings by the lower court.
Despite this, the case remains in the hands of Criminal Court “A” while the prosecution decides whether to formally object to the bond and present supporting arguments.
As of now, the defendants remain in detention at the Monrovia Central Prison while the legal battle over their pretrial release continues.
