By Shallon S. Gonlor / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY — The 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, has commenced a high-profile criminal trial involving two individuals accused of armed robbery and related offenses.
Defendants Abu Weamie and Samuel Gaye are facing charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault, theft of property, and criminal conspiracy. The trial began on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, with both defendants pleading not guilty to all charges following their arraignment and the reading of the indictment by the court clerk.
The case stems from an incident that occurred on February 7, 2023, in the Glenniluyee Community of Gompa City, near the Beer Village area. According to court documents, a group of masked and armed individuals allegedly robbed Mr. Harris Kerkulah, making off with approximately $48,000.000LD. Among the accused was Sabu Yenglee, a former defender for Nimba County in the National County Sports Meet, who was later killed by an angry mob in Ganta City.
Police investigations revealed that the perpetrators discharged three live bullets into the air during the robbery and left behind a nine-millimeter pistol shell at the crime scene. While the suspects fled, Yenglee’s lifeless body was discovered shortly after the incident.
During the trial proceedings, defendant Samuel Gaye, who had been out on bail since 2023, was rearrested and remanded to the Sanniquellie Central Prison. State prosecutors requested the court to revoke all prior legal instruments, including his guarantor note, arguing that his initial bail was granted under Article 21(d) of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution.
Gaye’s defense team opposed the prosecution’s motion, labeling it a violation of human rights and Liberian law. They urged the court to deny the prosecution’s request. However, Resident Judge Pape Suah ruled in favor of the prosecution, citing provisions of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law.
Judge Suah emphasized that the law does not impose a statute of limitations for capital offenses, allowing trials to proceed at any time. “The prosecution may commence trial of capital offense cases at any time,” he stated, ordering Gaye’s rearrest and detention.
