Published: January 16, 2025
Monrovia — The Supreme Court of Liberia, through Associate Justice in Chambers Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, has scheduled a conference for Monday, January 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to review a petition for a writ of prohibition filed by the Republic of Liberia, represented by the Ministry of Justice. The petition challenges the actions of His Honor Koiboi Nuta, Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Assizes “B” at the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County. Judge Nuta has been accused of procedural missteps in handling the habeas corpus petition of Thomas Etheridge, who was arrested on January 10, 2025, in connection with the recent fire at the Capitol Building. The incident is considered a significant national security concern.
The Ministry of Justice alleges that Judge Nuta improperly ruled on Etheridge’s habeas corpus petition by allowing him to be released to private guarantors for medical evaluation, even though such relief was not requested in the petition. The Ministry contends that this decision falls outside the legal framework of habeas corpus proceedings. Furthermore, the Ministry argues that Judge Nuta ignored critical flight risk concerns, despite being informed of an outstanding writ of arrest issued by the Monrovia City Court against Etheridge. Instead of ensuring Etheridge’s continued custody, the judge permitted his release, which the Ministry sees as a potential threat to the integrity of the investigation into the Capitol fire.
In addition, the Ministry raises concerns over the neutrality of the private guarantors to whom Etheridge was released, questioning the integrity of the medical evaluation process and his accountability during the ongoing investigation. The Ministry of Justice views Judge Nuta’s actions as undermining the government’s efforts to investigate what is regarded as one of the most significant national security threats in recent history.
The Ministry is requesting that the Supreme Court issue a writ of prohibition against Judge Nuta and Etheridge to halt the implementation of the judge’s orders and to ensure compliance with proper judicial and procedural standards. This petition underscores the potential implications of judicial actions on national security and the rule of law in Liberia.
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