-For Ethical Transgression
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
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, for one year each without salary, for ethical transgressions that violate the judicial canal.
In a ruling issued on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Supreme Court took significant disciplinary actions against the two judges, suspending them for serious ethical violations.
The suspension is without pay, benefits, or other immunities, following a violation of several judicial canons, particularly Canon 35.
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 decision underscores the Court’s commitment to upholding judicial integrity and accountability.
The suspensions are part of the Supreme Court’s broader efforts to ensure that judicial officers adhere to the highest standards of conduct and ethical behavior in the discharge of their duties.
The Court’s ruling reflects its ongoing rebranding mission to promote fairness, transparency, and justice within the Liberian judiciary.
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’s conduct is deemed unacceptable for a member of the judiciary.
In mid-2022, a senior officer of the Liberia National Police was flogged in Jeadea Statutory District Sinoe County on order of the Judge of the Monthly and Probate Court in that County.
After the incident, Police Commander Clinton Dee filed a complaint to the Supreme Court of Liberia and the Justice Ministry against Judge Octavius B. Doe.
The Supreme Court in its ruling further ordered the transfer of all probate matters currently before the Sinoe County Probate Court to the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court, Sinoe County, ensuring that ongoing cases will continue to be processed in a timely manner despite the suspension.
Meanwhile, both suspensions are effective immediately, and the Supreme Court has emphasized that all affected parties are expected to comply with the rulings.
The public is advised not to do business with these two suspended court officers, noting that the judicial system remains committed to delivering justice fairly and equitably, despite these temporary setbacks in Sinoe County and Paynesville.
The Court has assured that all matters will be handled in accordance with the law, maintaining the integrity of Liberia’s judicial system.
