MONROVIA – Judge Nelson Tokpa, the Resident Circuit Judge of Maryland County, has fled his county residence and sought refuge in Monrovia following a harrowing attack by a group of local residents. These residents, including chiefs, zoes, women leaders, youth, elders, and other traditional figures of Maryland County, allegedly attacked Judge Tokpa due to disputes over a land case.
The group formally complained to Her Honor Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, Chief Justice, requesting Judge Tokpa’s removal from presiding over a land dispute involving them and individuals named Harmton Thomas, Nyemah Dennis, and others. They accused Judge Tokpa of bias, alleging he stated that “tribal people do not have deed,” a claim Judge Tokpa vehemently denies as untrue.
In a detailed communication to the Chief Justice, Judge Tokpa described the terrifying events of March 25, 2024, when armed individuals surrounded and attacked his residence in Harper City. The attackers, wielding traditional weapons and dressed in war attire, also blocked the main highway to prevent Judge Tokpa from leaving.
The complaint further alleges that Bailiff Nyemah Howe and Julley Howe, former Labor Commissioner of Maryland County and reportedly brothers of Associate Justice Jamesetta Howe Wolokollie, demanded a substantial sum and goods from Judge Tokpa under threat.
Despite Judge Tokpa’s appeals for justice through various channels, including the Chief Justice and county authorities, little action has been taken. The case was forwarded to the Justice Minister and then to the Internal Affairs Minister due to its traditional nature, yet justice remains elusive.
Reports indicate ongoing threats to Judge Tokpa’s life, with suspicious activities observed around his Harper City residence. Frustrated by the lack of response from authorities, Judge Tokpa has chosen to make his plight public, expressing concern over the delay and denial of justice in his case.
The situation has raised serious concerns about the rule of law and judicial independence in Maryland County, with calls for immediate intervention to ensure Judge Tokpa’s safety and resolve the underlying disputes fairly.
