Liberia: Court orders release of former Chief Justice from police detention

The former Chief Justice of Liberia, Gloria Musu Scott was released from police custody by a Criminal Court on Wednesday after being detained by local police over an alleged conspiracy in the death of her niece. 

Scott had been under investigation since February for the death of Charloe Musu, her niece who lived with her until her death. The 30-year-old graduating student of Starz University was stabbed to death. Scott had reported that her home was attacked by armed robbers on the fateful night Charloe was killed.

Her release from police custody comes amid reports that she and three other members of her household have been charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, and making false statements to law enforcement officers.

On Tuesday, she and three other members of her household were detained by the police without being officially charged after honoring an invitation. This prompted her lawyers to file a Writ of Habeas Corpus before one of the country's Criminal Courts. 

But state prosecutors argue that the Writ of Habeas Corpus was premature, claiming that the Ministry of Justice did not violate Scott’s rights as claimed by her lawyers. 

They noted that Scott was never a suspect during all of her appearances at the Liberia National Police Headquarters but rather a person of interest until Tuesday. 

A Deputy Police Inspector,  additionally revealed that there was no evidence of intruders at Scott’s house on the day of her foster daughter’s death. He stated that the police, with the assistance of credible partners, had conducted the investigation impartially. The police disclosed that Scott’s house was heavily guarded with iron doors and bars, making it unlikely for intruders to gain access.