Court in River Gee Opens in Darkness, Heat and Without a Presiding Judge

By Ben T.C. Brooks| River Gee Correspondent

River Gee County | Feb. 11, 2026 | The 15th Judicial Circuit Court in River Gee County on Monday, February 9, 2026 officially opened its February Term of Court under challenging and unusual circumstances.

The opening ceremony, held in the absence of the Presiding Judge, her Judge Nancy Finda Sammy also took place in darkness and heat. The room was seemingly dark, with participants using personal belongings to direct airflow to themselves and create windchill effect in the hall.  

In her stead, the Clerk of Court L,orpu K. Togbah, presided over the formal opening. As a result, no judicial charge was delivered to signal the start of the 2026 judicial year in the county.

Clerk Togbah explained that Judge Sammy would have loved to attend the court opening, but was unable to do so due to prior official obligations in Lofa County. Beyond the absence of the presiding judge, the ceremony was also marked by logistical challenges such as the lack of lightbulbs and limited standing fan, forcing attendees to conduct proceedings with limited visibility.

The situation highlighted the severe shortage of basic facilities required for effective judicial dispensation at the court. Despite these constraints, county officials and justice sector stakeholders used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law in River Gee County.

Speaking on behalf of the River Gee Bar Association, its President, Cllr. Denise Saychee Sokan, formally welcomed the newly assigned County Attorney, Cllr. Daniel T.K. Dweh Sr., who assumed office following his appointment in late 2025.

She expressed optimism about his leadership and pledged the Bar Association’s support toward fostering professionalism and collaboration within the county’s justice system.

However, Cllr. Sokan raised serious concerns about persistent vacancies within River Gee County’s judicial system, particularly at the magisterial court level.

She disclosed that several magisterial courts across the county currently lack magistrates and clerks, a situation she described as detrimental to the effective administration of justice.

Referencing the River Gbeh and Chedepo Jarkaken Magisterial Courts, Cllr. Sokan noted that while she does not possess appointment authority, she remains committed to working alongside the River Gee Legislative Caucus and relevant judicial stakeholders to advocate for the timely filling of these critical vacancies.

She also cautioned judicial personnel against placing personal interests above public service, reminding court officers of their responsibility to uphold human dignity and protect the sanctity of life.

“The judiciary is not a place for making money,” Cllr. Sokan emphasized. “It is where people come to seek justice, and the decisions made here can determine the destiny of a person’s life.”

Also delivering remarks was River Gee County Public Defender, Cllr. Amos B. Nyenatoh. Cllr. Nyenatoh welcomed the County Attorney, Cllr. Dweh and expressed confidence in his leadership.

He stressed that coordination, collaboration, and cooperation among justice sector actors are essential to maintaining a stable and effective legal environment in the county.

In his response, County Attorney Dweh pledged his office’s full cooperation with the judiciary, local authorities, residents, and the joint security apparatus in River Gee County. He assured the public of his commitment to timely, transparent, and impartial prosecution of cases.

“Our responsibility is to uphold the rule of law and to support the judiciary in delivering justice without fear or favor,” Cllr. Dweh stated.

Representing River Gee County Superintendent, Milk Tarpeh Swengbe, County Administrator Alexander S. Dennis welcomed all newly assigned judicial officials, including magistrates and the county attorney.

He urged them to take a firm stance against the growing prevalence of illegal drug activities in the county and to ensure that justice is administered fairly and impartially.

Dennis further cautioned against wrongful prosecutions, emphasizing that the courts must always act in the best interest of the people and remain free from personal or political influence.

The 15th Judicial Circuit Court is expected to hear six criminal cases and two civil matters during the February Term of Court.