The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) has described the sheer brazenness of the attack on Atty. Theophilus F. Gbadeah is absolutely “disgusting and outrageous” and thereby calls on the Liberia National Police to speedily investigate, charge the perpetrators, and forward the case to court consistent with the law.
According to an LNBA release signed by its National Secretary-General, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, issued Wednesday, May 18, 2022, the institution condemned in the strongest term, the recent brutal and fierce attack on Atty. Gbadeah by Mr. Joshua M. Blayee, alias “General Butt Naked” a former warlord who claims to be a pastor and others under his authority.
The LNBA said, the recent brutal and disgraceful attack on Atty. Gbadeah has provoked a flow of condemnations from the public and members of the Bar and seems to underscore the difficulty the Government of Liberia faces in curbing unprovoked assaults against Lawyers.
“The LNBA is heartbroken by recent assaults on Lawyers and advises all would perpetrators to immediately desist from such callous and brutal attacks as it will not relent in bringing culprits to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.” The LNBA further believes that the role of the Lawyers is to apply and uphold the laws lay down under the Liberian system of jurisprudence and have the right to do so on behalf of their clients without intimidation.
It can be recalled on May 9, 2022, the LNBA’s received an official complaint from Atty. Theophilus F. Gbadeah alleges that he was brutalized by Mr. Joshua M Blayee and other men under his authority when he tried to resolve a land dispute between his client, Mrs. Seynie Urey, and Mr. Blayee at the residence of Mr. Blayee in the Mount Barclay Community on May 2, 2022.
“The LNBA believes that the action of former warlords to outrightly engage in acts to undermine the rule of law only compels relevant stakeholders to collaborate and accelerate the establishment of the war and economic crimes court to provide the basis for accountability in Liberia”, the release stated.
It further indicated that the LNBA would ensure that the law is applied and those who are guilty, will face the full weight of the law.
According to the LNBA, the information received suggests since the incident occurred on May 2, 2022, the police have not formally charged the perpetrators and forwarded them to court as required by law. The LNBA believes that the investigation into this matter is long overdue which presents a mockery of justice.
Meanwhile, Mr. Joshua M. Blayee, alias “General Butt Naked” has reportedly denied the allegation and expressed his disappointment in the Liberia Bar Association’s failure to authenticate said allegation before releasing the said statement.
Reported by: Stephen G. Fellajuah
WhatsApp: +231777015294
Email: fellajuahstepheng@gmail.com
