MONROVIA – Representative Yekeh Kolubah and his legal team abruptly exited a House committee hearing on Wednesday after lawmakers denied a request for a five-day adjournment. The defense team argued they required the extension to gather evidence and review procedural rules, leaving the proceedings in a state of disarray.
The walkout occurred shortly after the hearing reconvened following a 30-minute recess. Kolubah was accompanied by high-profile attorneys, including Cllr. Cabineh Ja’neh, Cllr. Moriah Yeakula, and Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi. The legal team petitioned the committee for additional time, stressing that they needed to adequately study the specific House rules governing the investigation and obtain critical evidence.
The committee, however, rejected the petition, stating that it could not afford any delays and ordered the proceedings to continue immediately.
Speaking on behalf of the defense, Cllr. Yeakula asserted that moving forward without the requested materials would fundamentally compromise her client’s right to a fair hearing.
“We cannot proceed with this hearing if we are not provided the evidence and the relevant House rules we requested to adequately prepare our defense,” Yeakula stated. “Our client is not being given due process under these circumstances.”
Following her statement, the legal team rose and exited the hearing room in unison. Rep. Kolubah followed his lawyers moments later, telling the committee: “Since you didn’t give my lawyers the chance and I’m being left alone, I will walk out.”
Members of the committee dismissed the defense’s claims, maintaining that the current structure of the hearing met all necessary legal standards.
“The process that is ongoing is already a due process,” said committee member Mannah Bishop Johnson, rejecting the notion that the defense was being treated unfairly.
As of Wednesday afternoon, it remains unclear whether the committee will proceed with the investigation in Kolubah’s absence or take steps to compel his return.
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