Lord-Alpha Gray is a former public relations officer at the Monrovia City Corporation under the Weah administration. Gray posted on January 15, 2025, alleging that the Liberia National Police had refused to process Thomas Etheridge (alias Tom) to court following his rearrest but had taken Tom to Zone One Deport in Point Four. Screenshot of the LNP's page
The rotunda of the Liberian capital was engulfed by a massive fire last month that left the joint chamber destroyed. The chamber is where both houses conduct joint legislative duties. The police commenced an investigation into the circumstances that led to the fire. Subsequently, on January 8, 2025, the police announced in a press conference findings into the capitol fire, classifying it as arson but withholding names of suspects for security reasons. A writ of habeas corpus was filed on Tom's behalf for wrongful detention and torture. The lawyer argued that Judge Peabody should issue a writ of habeas corpus, ordering the Ministry of Justice to bring the suspect's living body to court.
writ of habeas corpusInitially, the court presided over by Resident Circuit Judge, Korboi Nuta released Etheridge to lawyers for immediate medical care after falling unconscious. Judge Nuta stated that Etheridge's lawyer mentioned "torture," and the court cannot decide on it without verifying his physical state.
Hence, a medical report must be submitted by January 16, 2025, and three satisfactory guarantors. The case was then transferred to Criminal Court ‘B.’
Cllr. Forkeyoh filed a Bill of Information against the Ministry of Justice for forcefully rearresting and taking Tom away, claiming they disrespected the court order and violated constitutional rights. Etheridge was detained by the LNP and taken to Zone One, Point Four.
The Ministry of Justice filed a petition for prohibition, claiming the writ of habeas corpus surrendered to a "guarantor." The judge was required to report torture claims, but Etheridge's legal counsel did not pray. Judge Nuta was aware of the arrest but chose to turn him over to a "guarantor." Justice Gbeisay issued a temporary stay order and cited both parties to a conference scheduled for January 20, 2025.
Police Spokesperson Cecelia Clarke confirmed Etheridge is in LNP custody and has been discharged from AMI Expeditionary Healthcare Hospital. He is currently in stable condition at LNP Headquarters.
Following a conference regarding the writ of prohibition on Monday, January 20, 2025, Judge Gbeisay ordered government authorities to release Etheridge to his lawyers in line with Judge Nuta's decision. Immediately upon his release, sheriffs from the Monrovia City Court issued a writ of arrest with multiple criminal charges: arson, release of destructive forces, reckless burning and exploding, criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, criminal facilitation, criminal conspiracy, and criminal solicitation.
writ of arrestEtheridge was remanded to the Monrovia Central Prison, colloquially known as "South Beach" by court security and LNP. The facility, which serves as Liberia's main correctional institution, is located in the capital city and houses pretrial detainees as well as convicted inmates.
Conclusion: Both claims regarding Thomas Etheridge's situation were partially true. Despite a court order for his release, Etheridge remained in the custody of the Liberia National Police (LNP) until January 20, 2025, when Judge Gbeisay ordered his release. However, upon his release, Etheridge was immediately served with a new writ of arrest on multiple criminal charges related to the Capitol Building arson incident
