MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Criminal Court ‘A’ has ordered Magistrate Ben Barco of the Monrovia City Court to refuse jurisdiction over the complaint of forgery and fraud before him, and to dismiss such complaint.
Judge Onesimus Barwon also warned Magistrate Barco that entertaining further proceedings would undermine the judicial determination of Criminal Court ‘A’ on the same allegation.
Judge Barwon’s ruling was as a result of the action of summary proceedings filed by Cllr. Dempster Brown on grounds that the allegations of forgery previously raised against him were duly brought before, considered, heard, and determined by Criminal Court presided over by Judge Roosevelt Willie.
Cllr. Brown contended that the Magistrate Barco attempted to entertain and proceed with a complaint involving an allegation that has been subjected to judicial scrutiny and determination by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Cllr. Dempster Brown was recently brought under the jurisdiction of the Monrovia City Court based on a complaint filed by Cllr. Mohammed Fahnbulleh, accusing him of forgery and fraud.
At the same time, Criminal Court ‘E’ Judge Serena Garlawolo says judicial reforms must be reflected in the quality of judgments and rulings.
Judge Garlawolo emphasized that the decision made must be grounded in the law and supported by evidence.
She said:” Judges must uphold accountability and professional discipline, and ordinary citizens must see the court as a place where justice is accessible”.
Judge Garlawolo wants judges to demonstrate honesty and respect for the rule of law, and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
The Criminal Court ‘E’ Judge remarked on Monday, November 9, 2026, when she delivered the judges’ charge for the opening of Circuit Courts for its November Term at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Acting Solicitor General, Cllr. Abraham Sillah, says prosecution’s responsibility is not merely to secure convictions, but to ensure that justice is done in accordance with the law.
Cllr. Sillah said:” The introduction of a prosecution case management system will improve the preparation, monitoring and disposition of cases throughout the country”.
He stressed that they have recognized the continued presence of cases on the criminal docket, particularly where the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence or has failed to advance the proceedings.
Cllr. Sillah, however, told the court that the state has no legitimate interest in maintaining criminal charges against a person when there is no lawful evidentiary basis to proceed.
The Solicitor General remarked when he represented the Minister of Justice.