The case stems from a petition filed by Shio’s lawyer, Cllr. Jimmy Saah Bombo, seeking a writ of prohibition against the lawmakers’ actions.
Monrovia –The Supreme Court of Liberia has temporarily halted a criminal investigation by lawmakers into a Chinese national, Michael Shio, who is accused of attempting to murder a Liberian citizen.
By Victoria G Wesseh. [email protected]
The investigation was suspended following a temporary stay order issued by Associate Justice Cianna Clinton-Johnson.
The case stems from a petition filed by Shio’s lawyer, Cllr. Jimmy Saah Bombo, seeking a writ of prohibition against the lawmakers’ actions. Justice Clinton-Johnson has scheduled a hearing for March 19, 2025, to further consider the matter.
Shio, who was accused of pouring hot oil on the victim, Momo David, and then instructing his dogs to bite him, was initially arrested on January 13, 2025, for the alleged assault.
According to the Liberia National Police, David had been caught attempting to steal a solar panel from Shio’s compound in the Congo Town Back Road area.
Following his arrest, Shio transported David to the Zone Three Police Station under the custody of the Pilot Security Officers.
Shio was later charged with aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy, and attempted murder. Though the charges were bailable, he was detained at the Monrovia Central Prison until his lawyer secured his release.
The case was eventually transferred to Criminal Court “A” due to the court’s original jurisdiction over the aggravated assault charge.
While the case remains pending in the court, Cllr. Bombo claims that lawmakers summoned Shio to attend an investigation into the matter, despite its ongoing proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Shio formally requested a postponement, citing the principle of sub judice and the fact that the matter was already before the Criminal Court.
Cllr. Bombo argued that the actions of the lawmakers violated the principle of separation of powers outlined in the 1986 Constitution, which prohibits one branch of government from interfering in the affairs of another. He contended that the legislature’s investigation into a matter already before the court is an unlawful interference in the judiciary’s functions.
The Supreme Court’s provisional prohibition aims to prevent any interference in the case until the constitutional issues surrounding the lawmakers’ investigation are resolved.
According to Bombo, the Constitution grants judicial power exclusively to the judiciary, and any attempt by the legislature to assume such powers is unconstitutional.
