Monrovia, Liberia – The Supreme Court of Liberia has suspended Associate Magistrate of the Paynesville City Magisterial Court, His Honor Marvin Bah and Sinoe County Monthly and Probate Court Judge, Octavious Doe, one year each without salary, for ethical transgressions that violates the judicial canal.
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Supreme Court suspended the two justices for grave ethical transgressions, imposing severe disciplinary measures against them. A breach of many court standards, most notably Canon 35, led to the suspension, which comes with no compensation, benefits, or other freedoms.
Magistrate Marvin Bah is suspended without pay for breaching judicial canons. Magistrate Bah was found in violation of the established ethical standards expected of judicial officers in the country. This ruling demonstrates the Court’s dedication to maintaining judicial accountability and integrity.
According to the Supreme court, he suspensions are just one of the Supreme Court’s greater effort to guarantee that judges carry out their duties in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and conduct. The Court’s decision is in line with its continuous rebranding initiative to advance justice, equity, and openness in the Liberian legal system, it noted.
At the same time, Judge Octavous Doe of the monthly and probate court in Sinoe County was also suspended without salary for one year for manhandling police commander Dee Clinton. The High Court stated that the Judge conduct is deemed unacceptable for a member of the judiciary.
The judge of the Monthly and Probate Court in Jeadea Statutory District Sinoe County ordered the flogging of a top Liberia National Police officer in mid 2022. Following the event, Police Commander Clinton Dee complained against Judge Octavius B. Doe to the Justice Ministry and the Supreme Court of Liberia.
In order to guarantee that existing cases be handled promptly even after the suspension, the Supreme Court further ordered the transfer of all probate proceedings presently pending before the Sinoe County Probate Court to the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court, Sinoe County.
The Supreme Court has stressed that all parties impacted are obliged to abide by the decisions, and both suspensions are in place immediately.
Despite these brief hiccups in Sinoe County and Paynesville, the judicial system is still dedicated to administering justice in a fair and equitable manner, and the public is cautioned not to do business with these two suspended court officers, the cpourt ordered.
The Court has promised to uphold the integrity of Liberia’s legal system by handling all cases in conformity with the law.
