By Moses J. Dawoe/
Southeast Correspondent
The Judge of the 4th Judicial Circuit Court, His Honor, Nelson T. Tokpa, has revealed that he received death threats from unknown individuals believed to be community members of Big Town and residents of Pleebo, including some elders and chiefs.
According to Judge Tokpa, his life was threatened by a group believed to be residents of Big Town in Harper City, who allegedly surrounded his home with traditional symbols and items that appeared to be “country medicine” or juju.
Meanwhile, Judge Tokpa recounted that he was attacked on March 26, 2024, during the early morning hours.
He fled from Maryland County for the sake of his personal safety due to the threats posed by the group.
Judge Tokpa made these revelations while delivering his keynote address at the opening of the May Term of Court on May 12, 2025, at the 4th Judicial Circuit Court in Harper City, Maryland County.
He expressed disappointment in the leadership of Liberia for failing to investigate the matter, despite repeated reports that his life was threatened by individuals from Big Town who claimed that he was occupying their land or property.
During the ceremony, Judge Tokpa further lamented the situation, which involved zoes, chiefs, and elderly men who allegedly forced him to flee the county.
He stated that the group was armed with cutlasses, knives, bows and arrows, and many were dressed in traditional attire that made him feel unsafe.
While reading the charge for the May Term of Court, he revealed that plantain trees were tied at the entrances of his compound around 2:00 a.m. in March 2024, as part of the traditional intimidation.
In addition, he said the traditional group demanded a long list of food and non-food items as a form of traditional fine.
These items included, but were not limited to: 6 gallons of red oil, 6 gallons of “Cane Juice,” 3 bags of rice, US$1,000, and one cow.
He stated that these were required as a precondition for his “release” by the tribal group.
He also alleged that the Officer in Charge, Mr. T. Tabie Thompson—who served during the transition from the CDC-led government to the Unity Party-led government—encouraged the act by supporting the demand for the fine.
In response to the allegation, Mr. Tabie Thompson denied ever supporting or encouraging any traditional practice that involved placing a judge under hostage or requesting such items.
