Monrovia – The Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court “B,” has sentenced Imam Abu Kamara, head of the Red Light Central Mosque, along with fifteen of his followers, to one month each at the Monrovia Central Prison for criminal contempt.
By Victoria G. Wesseh
The sentencing followed their arrest during a November 13, 2025 protest that turned violent and prevented court officers and police from enforcing a Supreme Court–mandated eviction order.
Presiding Judge Peter Gbeneweleh said the defendants were held in criminal contempt for obstructing the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s directive.
“Wherefore, and in view of the foregoing, the defendants are hereby adjudged guilty of criminal contempt for obstructing the enforcement of the judgment of this court, which is confirmed by the Supreme Court,” Judge Gbeneweleh ruled.
He added: “They are accordingly sentenced to one month each at the Monrovia Central Prison to serve as a deterrent.”
Court Officers Report Violent Attack
According to Judge Gbeneweleh, on November 13, 2025, the Sheriff, accompanied by police officers and a licensed surveyor, proceeded to the disputed property to execute the Supreme Court’s eviction mandate. However, the team was allegedly met with violent resistance.
The Sheriff’s return confirmed that the officers “were violently attacked by Imam Abu Kamara and his followers,” which led to the immediate arrest of the Imam and fifteen others.
Following the incident, the court issued a writ ordering the defendants to appear and show cause why they should not be held in contempt for obstructing the Supreme Court’s mandate.
Previous Contempt Sentences Cited
Judge Gbeneweleh noted that this was not the first obstruction linked to the case. During an earlier contempt proceeding, four defendants were sentenced to 14 days at the Monrovia Central Prison after pleading for leniency. They were released less than a week later.
He emphasized that the court has the authority to sentence contempt offenders to up to five months in prison but opted to reduce the penalty again based on pleas for mercy from the defendants and their legal counsel.
Assurances from Religious Leaders
Judge Gbeneweleh disclosed that prior to the latest enforcement attempt, he held a meeting with the Chief Imam of Liberia and Imam Abu Kamara. Both religious leaders assured the court they would appeal to their followers to refrain from obstructing future eviction efforts.
“Based on that assurance,” the judge said, “the Sheriff and his team were sent to execute the eviction order, but they were again attacked violently.”
The judge added that he subsequently wrote to the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police requesting additional support for the Sheriff in carrying out the Supreme Court’s mandate.
