A shocking turn of events unfolded over the weekend when Criminal Court “A” Judge, Roosevelt Willie, went missing, leaving Samuel Jackson, a defendant in a manslaughter and negligent homicide case, stuck in South Beach Prison. Lawyers representing Jackson claimed that they searched for Judge Willie on Friday from 8 a.m. until the close of court but found no trace of him, sparking fears that his absence may be deliberate.
The judge’s signature was required to sign Jackson’s bail bond, and because he could not be found Jackson was left stranded in jail until Monday.
Jackson’s attorneys expressed frustration, suspecting foul play aimed at prolonging their client’s detention. Jackson has claimed that this is not the first time he has faced such challenges, as he shares a similar experience from the past.
In a disturbing déjà vu, Philipbert Browne, Publisher of the Hot Pepper, has also recounted being jailed on the eve of his birthday, with the judge—now an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court—vanishing, and insurance companies allegedly instructed not to provide bond. Despite having the means, Browne was detained from Friday to Monday, but gave credits to then Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for intervening and providing him with US$5,000 to seek medical attention abroad.
Jackson’s latest ordeal has reignited concerns about Liberia’s justice system, with his lawyers questioning the fairness of the process. As Jackson awaits Judge Willie’s return, his case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in Liberia’s judicial system.
