Published: September 26, 2024
MONROVIA – The Resident Judge of Criminal Court ‘A’ at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia has rejected two motions for bail from Ibrahim Sheriff, a Guinean national detained for allegedly plotting to overthrow Guinea’s President Mamady Doumbuyah.
On Tuesday, Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie ordered the prosecution to present all evidence against Sheriff, who is currently held at Monrovia Central Prison. The evidence includes weapons and funds allegedly provided by former Guinea President Alpha Condeh to support the coup.
Defense attorney Cllr. Syrenius Cephus filed the motions requesting Sheriff’s release and the suppression of evidence claiming the accusations were baseless. He argued that the charges were fabricated and posed a significant risk to Sheriff’s life.
However, the judge cited the severity of the charges and the potential risks to national and regional security as grounds for denying the bail. Judge Willie emphasized that no extradition should occur until legal proceedings are completed in Liberia. He also instructed state lawyers to surrender all physical evidence to the court within 72 hours.
The prosecution opposed the bail, declaring the evidence they possess demonstrates a strong presumption of guilt. They referred to Chapter 11.13 of the Penal Law of Liberia, which categorizes Mercenarism as a non-bailable first-degree felony.
In response to the defense’s request to suppress and return the property, Judge Willie questioned the validity of such a motion when the defendant himself claims that no material evidence was taken from him.
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