Chief Justice Sie-Nyene Yuoh has directed Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie of Criminal Court ‘A’ to investigate the controversial issuance of a search and seizure writ targeting the home of former President George M. Weah and the headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC).
The issuance of the writ on August 22, 2024, sparked sporadic protests in Monrovia.
The search and seizure writ, purportedly issued by the West Point Magisterial Court, is under scrutiny for its legality and procedural adherence.
During an investigative hearing on August 23, 2024, at the Temple of Justice, it was revealed that the writ was issued by an assistant clerk without the approval and knowledge of the court’s magistrate or the city solicitor.
Legal procedures stipulate that a writ of search and seizure must be accompanied by an application and affidavit, approved by the city solicitor, before it can be issued.
However, preliminary findings indicate that neither an application nor an affidavit was filed by the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), which purportedly requested the writ.
The West Point Magisterial Court, represented by its three magistrates and led by Stipendiary Magistrate Jomah S. Jallah, denied any involvement or knowledge of the writ.
The assistant clerk admitted to drafting and signing the writ but claimed it was unauthorized and allegedly stolen from his desk by LDEA officers.
The procedural irregularities surrounding the writ, including the lack of required documentation and approval, have provoked significant public concern.
City solicitor Moses Swion said he was not informed of the writ’s issuance, despite his role in overseeing legal matters for the West Point Magisterial Court.
The investigation, ordered by Chief Justice Yuoh, aims to clarify the events leading to the writ’s issuance and address any procedural violations that contributed to the recent unrest.
The assistant clerk and the bailiff involved were released from custody as the probe continues.
