BY: SHALLON S. GONLOR | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — The 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, presided over by Judge Serena F. Garlawolu, has reserved final judgment in two major criminal cases after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense.
Judge Garlawolu heard final arguments in both matters on Wednesday (May 20) and will hand down judgment on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The two criminal cases include, Defendant Mary Giah, a 56-year-old woman indicted for the murder of her three grandchildren; while Defendant Lee Meayean, a 19-year-old, faced charges of aggravated assault, criminal attempt to commit murder, and armed robbery against motorbike riders in Nimba County.
During a 10-minute argument on Wednesday, State Prosecutor and County Attorney of Nimba County, Cllr. John D. Miah outlined the severity of the separate crimes committed by the defendant – recommending life imprisonment for 56-year-old defendant Mary Giah and a maximum sentence for defendant Lee Meayean.
In response to the prosecution’s submission, Public Defender Cllr. Allen F. Gweh interposed no objection to the life sentence sought for defendant Mary Giah. However, he opposed the maximum sentence for defendant Lee Meayean. The Public Defense Counsel argued that defendant Meayean had expressed remorse and regret for his actions.
Speaking through his lawyer, Defendant Meayean pledged to never repeat the offense and stated his willingness to work with law enforcement to help keep the community safe, if given a second chance to return to his community. Defendant Mary Giah’s charges stem from an incident on February 22, 2026, in Mehnla Town, Nimba County’s Electoral District #9, when she allegedly used a razor blade and knife to cut her grandchildren’s throats.
The victims were identified as Mewaseh Giah, 6 years old, Marvelous Zainsaye, 4 years old, and Alvina Tokpah, 2 years old. During police interrogation, she admitted to the act and claimed that she acted to “prove she is a witch physically” and said she was driven by a demonic spirit.
Defendant Lee Meayean confessed to participating in a series of brutal attacks on motorcyclists in Ganta City, Nimba County, over several years. Police investigators described him as a “notorious robber” who targeted riders and put their lives at risk.
The incident that led to his arrest occurred on the night of January 27, 2026. According to court records, Meayean hired motorcyclist Blessing S. Dolo and told him he needed transport to his cassava farm in City View Community, across the Immigration Checkpoint on the Ganta-Monrovia Highway. Dedendant Meayean later attacked Dolo with a machete to steal his motorbike.
During the court’s appearance on Monday, May 18, 2026, both defendants Mary Giah and Lee Meayean separately pleaded guilty after the indictment was read in court by the clerk. However, Assigned Presiding Judge Serena F. Garlawolu set the plea aside and ordered a fact-finding trial, as required under Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, Title 2, Chapter 16.
The law allows a judge to reject a guilty plea and enter a plea of “not guilty” on behalf of the defendants, compelling the prosecution to present its case in open court. The trial proceeded on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and the prosecution produced key witnesses who testified before resting.
Defendants Mary Giah and Lee Meayean individually waived their rights to testify and prayed the court to admit their plea of guilty onto the court’s record.
The court heard final arguments from both sides on Wednesday, May 20, before reserving judgment for Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The May Term of Court marks a milestone for Presiding Judge Serena F. Garlawolu as these are the first major trials she has presided over since becoming the 8th Judicial Circuit’s first female Presiding Judge.
She assumed the post during the February Term of Court 2026, and this May sitting is her second term on the bench in Nimba County.
Court observers note the significance of the cases not only for the defendants involved, but also for Garlawolu’s early tenure. As the first woman to lead the circuit, her handling of complex criminal matters is being closely watched across the county.
