Monrovia – The Supreme Court is set to decide today whether members of the House of Representatives were wrongfully involved in the criminal investigation of Chinese national, Michael Shio, who is accused of attempting to murder Liberian citizen, Momoh David.
By: Victoria G. Wesseh
Associate Justice Cianna Clinton-Johnson had previously placed a temporary stay order on the lawmakers’ involvement, after Shio’s lawyer, Cllr. Jimmy Bombo, filed a writ of prohibition. The House of Representatives became involved in the investigation following a communication from Margibi County District #2 Representative Ivar K. Jones, requesting his colleagues’ assistance in investigating Shio.
Shio, who has been charged by the Liberia National Police with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, denied the accusations when he first appeared before the Monrovia City Court. The court transferred the matter to Criminal Court ‘A’ after determining it lacked jurisdiction over the attempted murder charge. However, while the case was pending, lawmakers summoned Shio for further questioning, a move he rejected.
Cllr. Bombo argued that the lawmakers had no constitutional authority to conduct such investigations, stating that their actions violated the separation of powers doctrine enshrined in the 1986 Constitution, which grants judicial power exclusively to the judiciary. He further asserted that the interference by lawmakers was unconstitutional.
Shio’s legal team also contended that the lawmakers’ actions were in direct violation of the principle of sub judice, which prohibits public commentary or interference in matters already under judicial consideration.
The case against Shio stems from an incident on January 13, 2025, when he allegedly poured hot oil on Momoh David and instructed his dogs to bite the victim. Shio was charged with aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, and attempted murder, and was later transferred to the Monrovia Central Prison. After posting bond, Shio was released from detention, but his case remains pending before Criminal Court ‘A’.
Despite the ongoing court proceedings, the House of Representatives issued a communication on March 6, 2025, summoning Shio for further investigation. Shio’s lawyer requested a postponement, citing the sub judice rule, but the lawmakers persisted, setting a date for the investigation on March 11, 2025.
Cllr. Bombo has argued that the lawmakers’ actions were unconstitutional and infringed upon the judicial powers of the courts. He further contended that the Constitution prohibits any branch of government from interfering with the responsibilities of another, particularly in matters before the judiciary.