MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The armed robbery prosecution against Abraham Jalloh, alias “HP,” and several others will proceed after Criminal Court “D” at the Temple of Justice rejected a defense attempt to keep statements made during police questioning out of the case.
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Judge Mameita Jabateh-Sirleaf ruled on Monday, August 17, 2026, that Jalloh’s statements were legally obtained and therefore admissible at trial.
The defense had asked the court to suppress the statements, contending that law enforcement violated Jalloh’s rights during the investigation. Defense lawyers also questioned the court’s jurisdiction over aspects of the case.
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But the judge found that police had advised Jalloh of his Miranda rights and that he subsequently waived those protections voluntarily. The court therefore declined to exclude the statements from the evidence.
Prosecutor Cllr. Jonah A. Kerkulah cited a 2010 Supreme Court ruling, Wright Jr. v. Republic of Liberia, and a February 17, 2026 police charge sheet in arguing that the statements were properly obtained.
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Cllr. Juah D. Bestman, representing the defendants through the Public Defender’s Office, maintained the defense’s objections, but the court ruled that its immediate consideration would remain focused on the armed robbery allegations.
With the suppression motion denied, the prosecution and defense are now positioned to continue litigating the underlying charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy.
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The allegations date to incidents reported between April 2025 and February 2026 in Zubah Town. Prosecutors accuse Jalloh and his co-defendants of using guns and knives during attacks on residents.
The indictment alleges that one robbery resulted in the loss of US$875 and L$49,000 from Aboubacar Diallo’s business. Prosecutors also accuse the defendants of attacking Decontee Krakue while she was seated inside her car.
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The latest ruling only addresses the admissibility of Jalloh’s statements and does not constitute a finding of guilt. The defendants remain entitled to their legal defenses as the trial progresses.
The court is expected to announce the next stage of the proceedings through a notice of assignment.
