MONROVIA – The Supreme Court of Liberia has taken a firm stance to protect its authority and the integrity of the judiciary by summoning controversial figure Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, popularly known as Prophet Key, to answer allegations of contempt of court arising from what the Court describes as sustained public attacks on the Chief Justice and the judiciary.
In a formal citation issued on February 4, 2026, and signed by the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Cllr. Sam Mamulu, Yeazehn was ordered to appear before the Full Bench of the Supreme Court on February 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia. The citation commands him to show cause why he should not be held in contempt of court.
According to the Supreme Court, Yeazehn is accused of engaging in “continuous and sustained attacks” against Chief Justice Yami Gbeisay, the Supreme Court as an institution, and other members of the Bench. The Court maintains that these actions have allegedly subjected the nation’s highest court to public ridicule and disrepute.
The citation further states that the alleged conduct goes beyond legitimate criticism and amounts to an affront to the dignity and authority of the judiciary. The Court views such actions as undermining public confidence in the justice system and challenging the constitutional role of the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of legal disputes in Liberia.
Legal sources note that the Supreme Court has inherent powers under Liberian law to punish contempt, particularly where actions or statements are deemed to scandalize the court or obstruct the administration of justice. Contempt proceedings before the Full Bench are typically reserved for serious matters with significant institutional implications.
The action against Prophet Key follows a series of public statements attributed to him, reportedly made through sermons, social media platforms, and other public forums, in which he allegedly criticized and questioned the conduct and credibility of the judiciary. These statements have raised concerns within legal circles about respect for the rule of law and judicial independence.
In its citation, the Supreme Court emphasized that while freedom of expression is guaranteed under the Liberian Constitution, that freedom is not absolute. The Court stressed that expressions which erode respect for the judiciary or bring the administration of justice into disrepute may attract legal consequences.
If found guilty of contempt, Yeazehn could face sanctions that include fines or imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the offense and the determination of the Court. Such penalties are intended not only to punish wrongdoing but also to deter future acts that threaten judicial authority.
The decision to summon Yeazehn before the Full Bench underscores the seriousness with which the Supreme Court views the allegations. Full Bench hearings are generally convened for matters of exceptional constitutional or national importance, signaling that the Court considers the issue a significant challenge to its institutional standing.
