By: Gareyson Y. Neufville
The County Attorney of Maryland County, Cllr. Philip Wegar, has issued a re-arrest order for Mr. Obediah Daniel, a Nigerian national believed to be an alleged illegal drug suspect in Harper, the county’s capital.
The decision comes in the wake of a massive protest through the principal streets of Harper, ending at the County Administrative Building, which hosts the offices of the County Attorney, the County Superintendent, and other local government authorities. Protesters demanded answers over the release of Mr. Daniel from the Harper Central Prison without being prosecuted.
According to reports, Mr. Daniel was arrested some time ago by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Maryland County Detachment, and was subsequently placed behind bars at the Harper Central Prison. However, he was later released under circumstances citizens describe as unjustifiable. Protesters believe the County Attorney may have influenced the suspect’s release, given his oversight of judicial activities in the county.
Madam Comfort Wilson, one of the leaders of the protesting group, told reporters that information provided by the LDEA indicated that after a preliminary investigation, the suspect was sent to prison based on findings from the agency. She stated that the unexplained release of Mr. Daniel raised serious concerns and called for immediate clarification from the relevant authorities.