Monrovia – Not deterred by the cuff locked around his wrist, armed robbery suspect Sansee Paasewe, took advantage of the absence of the security at the Temple of Justice – Liberia’s court complex – and fled the court after violently after breaking the prisoners bench to which he was cuffed into pieces, taking a plank and threatening to harm anyone who dared arresting him.
Report by Kennedy L. Yangian – [email protected]
“I was once taking a notorious prisoner charged with rape to jail and when we got to the Lynch Street intersection he escaped and while chasing him, he jumped into the NICOM Community where gang attacked me, but I was fortunate to re-apprehend him with the help of Police and some community dwellers” – A court Sheriff
Normal activities at the Monrovia City Court were brought to a standstill as court officials ran helter scatter for safety.
Suspect Paasawee ran towards to the Capitol Building which is right behind the Temple of Justice. He was chased by court sheriffs who shouted “Rogue! Rogue!” behind him.
The 28-year-old armed robbery suspect was reapprehended through a collective effort of Police officers at the Capitol, Executive Protection Service (EPS) agents and court sheriffs.
“When we got to the yard of the Legislature where he had escaped to, he appeared very stubborn but we were able to persuade him to bring him back to the court,” an officer from the City Court who begged for anonymity said.
A Police re-enforcement was called from the Headquarters of the Liberia National Police (LNP) who escorted suspect Paasewe to the Monrovia Central Prison where he’s been held in detention.
Passewe’s attempt to escape from the court is just one unsuccessful case among several successful incidents.
In November, a rape suspect, John Ochinoso, fled Criminal Court “E” – the specialized court for rape cases – when he was taken there for hearing. He’s yet to be rearrested.
Speaking on the basis of anonymity told FrontPageAfrica that court sheriffs are in many cases constrained to walk with suspects from the Temple of Justice to the Monrovia Central Prison, a 30 minutes’ walk.
“The court does not have any means of transportation for us to take suspects to South Beach [central prison]. Sometimes they run away from us.
“I was once taking a notorious prisoner charged with rape to jail and when we got to the Lynch Street intersection, he escaped and while chasing him, he jumped into the NICOM Community where a gang attacked me; but I was fortunate to re-apprehend him with the help of Police and some community dwellers,” said the court officer.
“When the issue was raised with the Judiciary they say that the Judiciary is not responsible to provide vehicle to take prisoners to jail, rather it is the responsibility of the Justice Ministry,” said the court officers who claimed that issue has been raised with authorities of the court on several occasions.
“There have been several cases where defendants escaped and our security is at risk,” the court sheriff said.
Passewee’s Alleged Crime
According to court’s records in possession of FrontPageAfrica, defendant Paasewe was arrested and charged after investigation predicated upon the complaint of two victims (names withheld).
One of the victims alleged that on November 30, 2016 he had put seven cartons of chicken in a wheel barrow carrying it to a lady in Bassa Town, Doe Community when defendant Paasewe stood in front of him and demanded that he gave him money. The complainant said he had L$5,000 in his pocket.
According to the victim’s complaint, upon his refusal defendant Passewee then took out a kitchen knife, wounded him on his head and forcibly took the money out of his pocket and escaped.
The second victim also alleged that defendant Paasewe while in Doe Community forcibly took her son’s bicycle and sold it for US$30.00
The Police, based on the complaints from the two victims and a crime scene investigation, established that an armed robbery incident did occur and thereafter defendant Paasewe was arrested.
According to the Police charge sheet, Paasewe admitted carrying out the acts.
He further told Police during investigation that he was just released from the Monrovia Central Prison in September. He, however, did not state the crime for which he was committed to prison.
However, a source close to the Paasewe told FrontPageAfrica the defendant had been in the constant habit of terrorizing residents of Doe Community where he lived by forcibly taking away their properties and gone to the extent of raping in the community.
“This boy has some demon behind him and when the demon comes in his way he misbehaves and we are trying to find solution to his problem,” said one family member who was at the court but failed to state her name.