By Solomon T. Gaye Sr
The Prison Superintendent in Nimba County, Mark B. Gardor, has revealed that there is a serious congestion of inmates at the government central prison in Sanniquellie, the seat of the county, as about 243 pre-trial detainees languish while awaiting trial.
He added that overcrowdings of the prison is creating hardship for correction officers assigned at the prison.
Superintendent Gardor explained that the central prison that was built by the United Nations Quick Impact Project to host 75 prisoners is overly congested due to delay of cases and increase in the crime rates in the county.
Despite of overcrowdings of inmates, there are reports of alleged release of suspected murderers, rapists and others who have been placed behind bars for criminal related offences which is said to be a common practice by county authority and that has been a major factor attributing to mob violence in the county.
Recently, in Tappita, a lady identified as Mary Johnson, 55, alarmed over the alleged release of four murder suspects from the central prison in Sanniquellie without court trial.
She identified those suspects released as Luah Karzon, Bill Geanyon, Johnson Vaye and Dahngbay Dahn who allegedly resurfaces in the district after being sent to prison by the magisterial court in Tappita in connection with the death of one Aaron Albert while another victim, Dahnkuan Tarr, only sustained injury after being accused of attempting to steal goat.
According to Madam Johnson, the incident occurred on June 6, 2019 in Dolay Town, Gblor Clan where the four alleged murder suspects allegedly shot Albert with single barrel thus creating serious fear among the residents.
Recently, a resident identified as Rachael Dubeh Gonwoe, 65, accused the prison authority of allegedly releasing suspect Samson Mehn who she claimed murder her son for L$ 100 in Valley Community on July 2, 2019 in Ganta and has since not been tried in court instead has resurfaced when he was sent to jail by the court.
Mrs. Sarah Teah also accused the at central prison workers of releasing of one pastor Lulu Falapy Fanandey who was sent to prison by the magisterial court in Ganta on the crime of statutory Rape on July 12, 2019.
Another resident of the Christian community in Ganta, Mr. Joseph Bohn said Pastor Fanandez has resurfaced in the community and is going about his normal business thereby putting the survivor and her entire family as risk.
Fanandez who is expected to have been in prison after being accused of having sex with a 15-year old minor who was in his case is something which is terrifying the community.