MONROVIA – Associate Justice in Chambers, Her Honor Jamestta Howard Wolokollie, has withheld ruling on a petition for a writ of certiorari filed by defense lawyers in a high-profile arson case, after intense legal arguments over the admissibility of key prosecution evidence.
The petition, argued before the Supreme Court on Thursday, October 2, 2025, seeks to suppress several pieces of evidence, including alleged confessions and forensic materials. Defense lawyers contend that these were unlawfully obtained and would unfairly prejudice the jury.
The defense argued that the confession at the center of the dispute was not made voluntarily, citing alleged coercion and the absence of legal counsel during the interrogation. They also challenged the chain of custody for the forensic materials collected from the scene, claiming the evidence had been compromised and lacked the integrity needed to be admitted at trial.
Prosecutors, however, strongly rejected the defense’s assertions. They maintained that the defendant’s rights were fully respected, and that the confession was made freely, without any form of intimidation. They further argued that the forensic evidence was properly handled and documented, making it reliable and essential to proving the elements of arson.
The prosecution cautioned that granting the petition to suppress such evidence could set a dangerous legal precedent and potentially stall justice in a case involving serious criminal conduct.
After hearing both sides, Justice Wolokollie reserved her ruling, stressing that the issues raised have significant implications for due process and the fairness of the upcoming trial. She did not specify when a decision would be rendered.
