By Christian Appleton
Harper, Maryland County – May 12, 2025 – The May Term A.D. 2025 of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court formally commenced on Monday, May 12, at the Administrative Building in Harper, Maryland County, convening key legal figures, county officials, civil society representatives, and judicial authorities.
The opening ceremony was marked by the return of Resident Circuit Judge Nelson T. Togba, who recounted a perilous security incident that compelled his flight from Maryland County on March 25, 2024, at 2:00 a.m. due to alleged life threats. In his inaugural address for the term, Judge Togba revealed that his residence was violently besieged by a large group from the Big Town Clan, clad in traditional war attire and armed with weapons. These individuals, claiming ancestral ownership of the land his house occupies, purportedly placed ritualistic symbols and made dangerous demands involving money, food, and traditional items.
Judge Togba expressed his gratitude to Maryland County’s Police Commander Layee M. Massalay, Cllr. Nyenati Tuan of the Ministry of Justice, and the Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Francis S. Nyumalin for their assistance in his safe evacuation to Monrovia. He also acknowledged His Honor Nelson Chineh for his service in presiding over the court during his absence.
“I was attacked in the dead of night with threats to my life, accompanied by voodoo symbols and armed aggression. Despite filing formal complaints and submitting names and photos of those involved to the Chief Justice and the Minister of Justice, no investigation has been initiated,” Judge Togba lamented.
He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law within the county, vowing to administer justice impartially. “The court remains the last hope of the people, and we must ensure justice is served without fear or favor,” he declared.
Also addressing the attendees, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Her Honor Jamesetta Howard Wolokollie, urged magistrates throughout Maryland County to prioritize peace through mediation over unnecessary detention. She cautioned against the abuse of magisterial authority, noting that complaints against certain magistrates have triggered ongoing investigations by the Judiciary Inquiry Commission (JIC).
“Some magistrates are currently under investigation for malpractice. We cannot permit individuals with unresolved allegations to remain within our judicial system,” Justice Wolokollie stated, referencing President Joseph Boakai’s consultations with the Supreme Court before the reassignment of magistrates.
She encouraged natives of the southeastern region, particularly Maryland County, to return and serve as magistrates, highlighting a lack of local participation despite competitive incentives.
Justice Wolokollie also reminded local authorities and citizens of their crucial role in holding judicial actors accountable: “You must write and report. Complaints matter. Many individuals remain in the system simply because no one follows through.”
Adding his perspective, Mr. Thomas B. Mawolo, Coordinator of the National Civil Society Organization of Liberia, Southeast Chapter, voiced serious concerns regarding the chronic overcrowding at Harper Central Prison and the prolonged detention of pre-trial inmates. He advocated for stronger collaboration between court officials and victim families to expedite trial proceedings.
Over the preceding four terms, rape cases have consistently dominated the criminal docket of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court. The February Term alone recorded 15 criminal cases, including one murder, one attempted murder, and seven rape cases. Alarmingly, only one of these cases proceeded to trial, resulting in the acquittal of the accused.
As the May Term commences, urgent calls for justice reform, enhanced accountability, and greater local involvement in the legal process resonated throughout the court opening—signaling a critical juncture for the future of Maryland County’s judicial system.
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