MONROVIA – The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Montserrado County has found Liberia’s Inspector General of Police, Col. Gregory Coleman, guilty of criminal contempt for failing to honor a lawful order issued by the court.
In a ruling delivered by Assigned Circuit Judge Peter W. Gbeneweleh, the court determined that Col. Coleman’s failure to appear and explain his non-compliance with a prior mandate constituted “an affront to the authority of the court and highly contemptuous.”
As a result, Judge Gbeneweleh imposed a fine of USD $300 on the Police Chief, ordering that the amount be paid into government revenue within 72 hours. The court warned that failure to comply with the payment directive would result in the issuance of a writ of arrest, placing Col. Coleman in the custody of the Sheriff.
The ruling stems from Col. Coleman’s alleged disregard for judicial instructions related to the civil case The Intestate Estate of the Late Batune Keita vs. The Intestate Estate of the Late Mohammed Kamara, administered by Matelja M. Murh. The court also instructed the Sheriff to serve mandates on the Ministry of Justice and the Honorable Supreme Court to ensure the enforcement of the judgment.
Judge Gbeneweleh underscored the importance of respecting judicial authority, stressing that public officials are not above the law and must demonstrate accountability in their official duties.
“This Court calls upon the Inspector General to always enter compliance with the competent jurisdiction with urgency,” Judge Gbeneweleh stated, emphasizing the judiciary’s resolve to maintain the rule of law.
The ruling sends a strong message about judicial independence and reinforces the expectation that all government officials, regardless of rank or position, must adhere to court orders without delay.
