By: Wilmot Konah
Monrovia, Liberia: The defense lawyer for taxi driver Francis Nana, accused of dragging and killing police officer Mark Bracewell in Monrovia last year, has vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court following a lower court ruling denying a change of venue.
Speaking to DN News, defense lawyer Atty. Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo I maintained that the incident was an accident and not intentional murder as alleged by state prosecutors. He insisted that his client did not deliberately hit and kill the police patrolman and has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Atty. Dugbo had earlier filed a motion requesting that the trial be moved from Criminal Court “A” in Montserrado County to another county, arguing that intense media coverage and strong public sentiment in Monrovia could affect the fairness of the proceedings. He also cited the public parade of the defendant by the Liberia National Police—while handcuffed and surrounded by media—as contributing to a perception of guilt before trial.
However, presiding Judge Roosevelt Willie denied the request, ruling that media attention alone is not sufficient grounds to transfer the case. The judge emphasized that jurors are expected to remain impartial and base their decisions solely on evidence presented in court.
Reacting to the ruling, Atty. Dugbo described it as a “legal blunder” and announced plans to seek remedy before the Supreme Court. “The ruling is a legal blunder. That’s why I have sought remedy to proceed to the Supreme Court to correct the reversible error committed by the judge,” he said.
He further argued that the level of media coverage and public reaction surrounding the case is unprecedented, largely due to how the police handled and presented the defendant to the public.
Despite the defense’s objections, the trial is set to continue in Montserrado County while the matter is expected to be taken up on appeal before the Supreme Court.
