Tensions flared at Criminal Court ‘A’ on Wednesday, September 10, during a dramatic hearing into a motion to suppress evidence in the high-profile arson case.
The case involves former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, and several co-defendants.
Presiding Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, handed down a stern ruling, fining lead defense lawyers US$100,000 each for “blatant disobedience” to court’s order regarding a medical examination.
The Judge warned defense lawyers to advise their clients to respect the court.
The dispute centered around the court-ordered independent medical examination of the defendants, stemming from allegations of torture and sodomy, while in state custody.
Judge Willie had previously designated the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center to conduct the examination, citing the institution long-standing role in treating pretrial detainees and its insurance arrangement with the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP).
However, defense lawyers, including Arthur Johnson, Wilkins Wright, Jonathan Massaquoi, and James Kumeh, challenged the selection of JFK, arguing it was a government-run facility and thus not truly independent.
The lawyers requested an alternative medical center, and indicated that they had only just received the prosecution resistance to their motion for a different hospital.
In response, Judge Willie maintained that court orders are not optional, declaring that defendants’ failure to comply with the JFK directive constituted a deliberate obstruction.
“If the court gives an order, it must be obeyed or challenged through the Supreme Court, not ignored,” he stated firmly.
Relying on a written report submitted by the Superintendent of the MCP, the court established that the defendants had refused to go to JFK after being advised by their lawyers not to do so.
“This cannot go unpunished,” the Judge warned. As a result, the court fined the defense team US$100,000, payable by Tuesday, September 16, and mandated that the receipt be submitted to the Clerk of Court.
While granting defense’s request for an independent medical examination, Judge Willie designated AMI Expidirinary Medical Healthcare Center as the new facility, with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) covering the cost. The examination is to be completed and submitted to the court by Wednesday, September 17, with defendants escorted by judicial security.
However, this decision was immediately challenged by Cllr. Wright, who argued that AMI is not independent either, claims it is contracted by the MoJ and Liberia National Police (LNP).
He referenced a past incident in which defendant Kendrich Koffa, was allegedly assaulted, and AMI diagnosed him with malaria instead of noting any injuries.
“AMI is no different from JFK,” Cllr. Wright asserted, warning that the same government ties compromise the credibility of both institutions.
He further rejected the prison superintendent’s report, noting that it was not the official return of the Sheriff, and that the superintendent was not brought to testify. Wright contended that the statements attributed to the defense came from the defendants themselves, not the lawyers, and therefore, the fine was unwarranted.
Prosecution Accuses Defense of Deliberate Delay
On the other side, the prosecution, led by Cllr. Scott, slammed defense’s conduct, accusing them of intentionally stalling proceedings.
“The defendants, with advice of their counsel, defied court’s lawful instruction,” Scott argued, asking the court to hold both lawyers and defendants accountable for contempt of court.
The prosecution noted that the only matter up for hearing was the Judge ruling on the motion to suppress evidence. Since the defense had already acknowledged receipt of the resistance to their motion, any further delays were viewed as “bad faith tactics.”
Scott meanwhile, urged the court to rule in accordance with the law, stating that all legal grounds for suppression had been addressed, except for the allegations of torture and sodomy, which depend on the medical report.
Ruling on Motion to suppress rescheduled for Thursday, September, 18, 2025.
Given the ongoing legal back-and-forth and pending results of the medical examination, Judge Willie rescheduled the ruling on the motion to suppress evidence to Thursday, September 18.
Despite the rescheduling, the court made it clear that non-compliance with court orders will not be tolerated.
“If we allow this, it will continue to happen in our courts,” Judge Willie cautioned.
The case continues to attract significant public attention, with legal observers closely watching how the court balances defendants’ rights with the authority of judicial orders, especially in a case carrying serious allegations of arson, torture, and abuse of due process.