Judge Sentences Three in River Gee; Two Escape During Jailbreak

In River Gee County, three men were sentenced for various crimes, including armed robbery and drug offenses. However, a major concern arose after two of the convicted inmates escaped from prison just days after their sentencing. A search operation is underway, and an internal investigation has been launched to examine prison security protocols.

In River Gee County, the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court has recently sentenced three individuals for various crimes, but the sentencing has been overshadowed by a significant security breach. Judge D. Onesimus Banwon oversaw the cases, where the defendants, after pleading guilty, faced serious penalties for their actions, raising concerns about prison security in the region.

To begin with, Nelson Jolo received a hefty sentence of 15 years for his conviction on armed robbery charges stemming from an incident in February 2025 involving Madam Mercy Seabo in Fish Town. Alongside him, Peter Weah from Sarbo, Welekken, was sentenced to 10 years, while Samuel Toe, also from Fish Town, will serve 17 years. Both Weah and Toe were convicted under Liberia’s New Drug Law for unlicensed possession and sale of controlled substances.

However, on May 27, just two days after the judges made their rulings, a dramatic jailbreak occurred. Authorities reported that three inmates, including two of the latest convictions, escaped from Fish Town Central Prison. The break took place under circumstances that are still unclear, leading to heightened concerns regarding the safety of the facility.

During a briefing, Judge Banwon confirmed the identities of the escapees: Nelson Jolo, Samuel Toe, and Anthony Davis, who was serving a one-year sentence. The judge announced that a joint security operation has been initiated to locate the fugitives as part of a larger effort to ensure public safety. Moreover, an internal investigation is also on the table to examine how such a breach could have happened and if prison protocols were followed correctly.

Currently, probing into the escape, officials have not released further details regarding the method of the inmates’ flight nor has there been any indication that prison staff may have been involved in facilitating the escape. This incident raises alarming questions about the effectiveness of security measures and oversight within the prison system in Liberia.

In summary, the recent jail sentence of three men in River Gee County has highlighted significant security issues within the local prison system. Following a jailbreak involving two of the convicted men, authorities are currently engaged in a security operation to recapture them, while also investigating potential breaches in protocol. This situation underscores the need for better prison management and security practices.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com