MONROVIA – The Gardnersville Magisterial Court has ordered the immediate reopening of the James E. Marshall United Methodist Church after clearing several individuals previously accused of criminal trespass and related offenses. The directive, issued on November 7, 2025, comes nearly a month after the court found all defendants not guilty in a ruling delivered on October 17.
Presided over by Stipendiary Magistrate Atty. Patrick G. Tamba, the court instructed Captain Paul K. Freeman, or his deputy, to ensure that the church, located in the Grassfield Community of Gardnersville Township, Montserrado County, be opened without delay and returned to the rightful possession of the parties. The order emphasized that police must carry out the reopening promptly and provide an official report to the clerk of the court detailing the manner and form of service.
The case involved several individuals, including Kojo Weeks, Rudolph Marab, Chris Wilson, Samuel Blayee, Baryou Wallace, Chris Wellor, and Famata Keumeh, who faced charges ranging from criminal trespass, theft of property, criminal mischief, criminal coercion, to disorderly conduct. Following the court’s adjudication, all defendants were found not guilty of the allegations, clearing the way for the church’s reopening.
The court order cited by Smart News Liberia directs authorities to restore the church premises to the United Methodist Church, Liberia Annual Conference, represented by Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., or a designee. The instruction underscores the court’s intent to enforce its ruling and ensure that the church community regains uninterrupted access to its place of worship.
Police officers are now expected to execute the court’s directive and report back on the completion of the task, officially restoring the James E. Marshall United Methodist Church to its congregation.
