CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA – The Supreme Court of Liberia has reserved ruling in the high-profile contempt proceedings against controversial preacher and social commentator Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, widely known as Prophet Key, with judgment expected on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Prophet Key appeared Thursday before the Full Bench at the Temple of Justice to show cause why he should not be held in contempt for what the Court described as repeated verbal attacks against the Chief Justice, the Supreme Court as an institution, and other Associate Justices.
The citation, issued by the Office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court and signed by Cllr. Sam Mamulu, alleges that the cleric’s public remarks subjected the Judiciary to ridicule and disrepute, thereby undermining the dignity and authority of the nation’s highest court.
Apology and Plea for Mercy
After an hour-long consultation with his court-appointed counsel, Prophet Key addressed the Bench and acknowledged that some of his public comments had “gone beyond acceptable bounds.” He offered an apology to the Court and, in particular, expressed regret for statements he admitted were insulting toward women.
He pleaded for mercy, assuring the Justices that he would refrain from making such remarks in the future. The preacher told the Court that he sometimes becomes frustrated and emotional when responding to people who approach him for spiritual guidance but emphasized that he respects the authority of the Supreme Court.
Prophet Key also expressed appreciation to the Court for assigning him legal representation, describing the gesture as a demonstration of fairness and constitutional protection.
Constitutional Right to Counsel
During his initial appearance earlier in the week, Prophet Key informed the Court that he did not have a lawyer and could not afford one. In keeping with constitutional guarantees of legal representation for accused persons, the Supreme Court directed the Public Defender’s Office to assign counsel to him.
The move underscored the Court’s position that even individuals accused of undermining its authority are entitled to due process under Liberian law.
Background to the Case
The contempt proceedings stem from a series of public statements attributed to Prophet Key, in which he allegedly criticized and insulted members of the Judiciary. While the Court has not publicly detailed the specific remarks, it characterized them as persistent and severe enough to warrant intervention by the Full Bench.
Under Liberian law, contempt proceedings may be initiated where actions or statements are deemed to interfere with the administration of justice or erode public confidence in the courts.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court formally cited the preacher to appear and defend himself against the allegations. The case has since attracted significant public attention, given Prophet Key’s profile as a religious figure and outspoken commentator on national issues.
Awaiting Judgment
With arguments heard and Prophet Key’s apology entered into the record, the Supreme Court will now determine whether his conduct merits punitive sanctions as a deterrent or whether his expression of remorse will mitigate potential penalties.
The ruling, expected Friday, February 13, is likely to clarify the boundaries between freedom of expression and respect for judicial authority in Liberia.
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