Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, who is currently presiding over the Capitol arson case involving former Speaker Fonati Koffa and three other lawmakers, narrowly escaped what is believed to be an assassination attempt on Wednesday evening, according to a statement released by the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA).
The statement, signed by LNBA President, Bornor Varmah, said that unidentified armed men attempted to force their way into Judge Willie’s home but fled when officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) arrived on the scene. No one was harmed during the incident.
Quoting a member of Judge Willie’s family, Varmah disclosed that the attackers were armed with machetes and sticks and arrived on motorcycles. They reportedly tried to break into the judge’s premises but were deterred by the swift intervention of armed police.
“This marks the third reported incident involving an attack on the home of Judge Willie,” Varmah said.
Judge Willie has served on a number of high-profile cases in recent years. He is currently presiding over the Capitol arson case at Criminal Court ‘A’, as well as the corruption trial involving former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and co-defendants at Criminal Court ‘C’. He also presided over the murder case of Charloe Musu, which resulted in the conviction of former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott — a verdict that was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
Although the LNBA did not directly accuse any former government official of being behind the latest attack, it called on the Ministry of Justice to immediately investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The Bar is equally concerned by reports from other judges who have received similar threats and experienced attempted intrusions, including anonymous text messages, designed to intimidate and obstruct the impartial discharge of their judicial duties,” Varmah noted.
He described the attacks as “acts of gangsterism” that have no place in a civilized and democratic society.
“Such acts are a direct assault on the independence of the judiciary and undermine public confidence in the rule of law,” Varmah emphasized. “Judges must be allowed to carry out their function free from intimidation, threats, or any form of influence, whether internal or external.”
Varmah stressed that the safety and independence of the judiciary are critical to preserving the integrity of Liberia’s justice system. Accordingly, the Bar has called on the Ministry of Justice and all relevant security institutions to investigate the incident thoroughly and to establish a permanent police presence at the residence of Judge Willie and other judges.
“These are necessary to prevent any further attempts that may result in harm to judicial officers or their families,” Varmah stated.
He added that the government has both a constitutional and moral obligation to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially those serving the nation in high-risk roles.
“Judge Willie, in his capacity as a presiding judge over high-profile criminal matters, must be afforded enhanced security protection,” Varmah urged.
Reaffirming the Bar’s commitment to judicial independence and the protection of all citizens, Varmah called on the public to support the judiciary and reject all forms of lawlessness.
“We urge the public to stand in solidarity with the judiciary and to reject all forms of lawlessness and threats aimed at derailing the justice system,” he said.
