The Sanniquellie Magisterial Court has charged the former assistant superintendent for Native Affairs in Nimba Nimba, Gbelia Duo, for abducting and manhandling journalist.
Duo was arrested and charged with felonious restraint, recklessly endangering another person, and simple assault for abducting the Dan Language Announcer of Radio Laywei in Tappita, Alex Yormie.
On Monday, June 30, Duo operating under the pretext of being the cultural coordinator of Lower Nimba, abducted Journalist Yormie and tortured him throughout the night because he (Gbelia) accused the journalist of discussing traditional matters on the radio station.
The court document states that Duo’s action was in violation of section 14.21, 14. 51 and 14. 23 of the New Penal Code of Liberia. His lawyer secured his release on criminal appearance bond.
However, Due to the journalist’s poor health condition after his abduction, as a result of maltreatment he received, trial the case is expected to commence before the court on July 14, 2025.
However, after a failed appeal to the victim to abandon the court action, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and the Nimba Community Radio Station (NICORA) have both withdrawn their support, citing disrespect for refusing to adhere to their appeal.
During his investigation at the headquarters Nimba detachment of the Liberia National Police, the defendant had requested the press union through its president, Julius Kanubah and its Nimba County Coordinator Christopher Fahn for the case to be withdrawn, for peaceful home settlement.
Initially, NICORA President Kennedy Domah refused for the case to be compromised and said he wanted it to reach the court, but just minutes for the police to forward the matter to the court on the morning of Friday, July 4, 2025, Domah said due numerous calls from stakeholders, the case should be settled at the police station; a request Alex rejected.
Due to his decision to see his abductors prosecuted, Alex has been left to fight for justice alone at the Sanniquellie City Magisterial Court. Despite his reported abandonment at the court by both media institutions, Yormie has vowed to pursue the case to the end.