Published: February 18, 2026
MONROVIA — Nimba County Sen. Nya D. Twayen Jr. has endorsed the Supreme Court’s six-month prison sentence handed down to controversial social media commentator Justin Opa Yeazean, popularly known as “Prophet Key,” but stressed that rehabilitation, not punishment alone, must now be the focus.
Breaking his silence days after the ruling, Twayen described the moment as emotionally complex for Nimba County, noting that both the sentenced commentator and Chief Justice Yamin Quiqui Gbeisay, who presides over the Supreme Court, are sons of the county.
The high court on Feb. 13 sentenced Yeazean to six months’ imprisonment for contempt after he admitted guilt before the Full Bench and pleaded for mercy. The conviction stemmed from social media remarks in which he publicly ridiculed the Court.
The ruling has triggered nationwide debate, drawing mixed reactions across political, religious and civil society circles.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Twayen acknowledged both the legal and emotional dimensions of the case.
“Well well well; after all, this week has been a mixed-feeling week for Nimba; one of our own admittedly erred and is facing punishment; one of our elders who presides over the Judiciary has rightfully brought the younger one to check for the good of county and country,” he wrote.
While embracing the Supreme Court’s decision, the senator shifted attention toward what he described as the next critical step.
“What is now left is to help with our son Justin Opa Yeazean’s rehabilitation,” he added.
Twayen expressed optimism that Yeazean would use his time in custody to reflect and heal, saying he hopes the experience will mark a turning point.
As senator, he said, his responsibility extends to all constituents — “including those he considered the good, the bad and even the ugly/beautiful.”
“I will be visiting Yeazean in the coming weeks not to have pity on him but to see him go through what he admittedly/confessed to doing wrong,” he revealed. “We will meet with Mrs. Yeazean to lend some help towards his upkeep and wellbeing as well”.
The senator also appealed to the Chief Justice, the Supreme Court and the broader Liberian public to extend forgiveness, noting that Yeazean has admitted wrongdoing and pledged transformation.
According to Twayen, the commentator has promised “total transformation and transition to normalcy and respect for our culture and tradition.”
Twayen’s remarks underscore a broader national conversation about accountability, redemption and reintegration.
While he affirmed that the Supreme Court acted within its authority in sentencing Yeazean for contempt, he emphasized that justice must ultimately serve a corrective purpose.
For the Nimba lawmaker, the six-month custodial sentence represents only one phase of the process, with rehabilitation and reintegration seen as essential to restoring both individual dignity and public trust.
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