By: Melvin Flomo
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Monrovia, Liberia – October 3, 2025: Associate Justice in Chambers, Her Honor Jamestta Howard Wolokollie, has reserved ruling on a petition for a writ of certiorari filed by defense lawyers in a high-profile arson case, who are seeking to suppress key pieces of evidence presented by the prosecution.
The petition, now before the Supreme Court of Liberia, challenges the admissibility of certain evidence—including alleged confessions and forensic materials—on grounds that they were unlawfully obtained and highly prejudicial to the defendant.
During arguments heard in open court on Thursday, October 2, 2025, defense lawyers maintained that the evidence in question was procured in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights. They contended that the purported confession was not made voluntarily, citing coercion and lack of legal representation during interrogation.
The defense also raised doubts about the chain of custody of forensic materials collected from the crime scene, asserting that the integrity of the evidence was compromised, thereby diminishing its reliability and probative value.
However, prosecutors strongly defended the admissibility of the disputed evidence, insisting that all investigative and procedural steps were conducted in accordance with the law. They argued that the confession was obtained without duress, and that the chain of custody for the forensic evidence remained intact and well-documented.
Prosecutors further warned that suppressing such critical evidence at this stage could set a troubling precedent and delay the pursuit of justice in a matter involving serious criminal conduct.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Wolokollie reserved her ruling, stating that the issues raised warrant careful legal scrutiny due to their implications for due process and fair trial rights. No date has yet been announced for the Court’s decision.
The arson case remains among the most closely followed legal battles this term, involving allegations of deliberate property destruction under suspicious circumstances.
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