— As February Term of Court Set to Open
By: Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Liberia’s female Resident Circuit Judge, Serena F. Garlawolu, will break the glass ceiling of a male-dominated records on Monday, February 9, 2026, as she becomes the first-ever female judge to lead the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba. According to available records, no female has ever held the top position in the circuit court, with male judges currently and previously occupying the seat.
Her appointment by new Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr. marks a significant milestone for the county, which has never had a female presiding judge since the court’s establishment in Nimba decades ago. Judge Garlawolu, a trailblazer in Liberia’s judiciary, is currently serving as the Resident Circuit Judge for the Sexual Offenses Division Court, formally Criminal Court “E” in Montserrado County. She was commissioned in June 2017 by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Francis Korkpor.
With a track record of delivering justice, Judge Garlawolu has presided over high-profile sexual assault cases, including a notable case in July 2024 where she sentenced two men to prison for gang rape. As of February 2025, she was tasked with handling cases remanded by the Supreme Court of Liberia, ensuring impartial justice and maintaining judicial integrity.
A distinguished jurist, Serena F. Garlawolu is one of the judges operating within Liberia’s 16 judicial circuits, and her appointment marks a significant milestone for Nimba County and Liberia’s judiciary.
The appointment of Judge Serena F. Garlawolu as the first female Presiding Judge of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba marks a groundbreaking moment in the county’s history.
A review of the court’s history shows that while women have served in subordinate roles within magisterial courts across Nimba, the position of Resident Judge has been held by men. The 8th Judicial Circuit Court oversees 17 Magisterial Courts, and two functional specialized courts, making Judge Garlawolu’s appointment a significant milestone for the county’s judiciary.
The 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba plays a crucial role in the county’s judicial system, exercising original jurisdiction over cases not handled by other courts, including admiralty cases. It also hears appeals from government agencies and lower courts. The President of Liberia appoints the Circuit Judge, subject to Senate approval, and the judge serves based on good behavior. The court holds four quarterly sessions annually, in February, May, August, and November.
The modern court complex in Sanniquellie, dedicated in 2017, serves as a primary judicial hub for the region. Interestingly, Nimba County was established in 1964, but the current court building is a relatively recent addition, reflecting the county’s growth and development. Judge Garlawolu’s appointment is a significant milestone for the court and Nimba County, marking a new chapter in the county’s judicial history.
The Judicial Complex in Sanniquellie is a comprehensive facility that serves as the hub of Nimba’s judicial system. The complex houses several courts, including the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court, Debt Court, Traffic Court, Tax Court, Revenue Court, and Magistrate Court. It also provides offices for key officials, such as the County Attorney, Public Defender, and City Solicitor.
The complex is designed with facilities for jurors, including separate sections for male and female jurors, ensuring a comfortable and efficient trial process. Additionally, there are specialized courts, like the Sexual Offenses Division Court (Criminal Court ‘E’), presided over by Resident Circuit Judge Musa S. Sidibey, which handles sensitive cases, mostly rape.
The complex also offers residential accommodations for the Resident Circuit Judge and visiting judges, ensuring they have a conducive environment to work and stay. This setup underscores the commitment to providing justice and support services to the people of Nimba County.
The people of Nimba County, including party litigants and legal luminaries, are eagerly awaiting Judge Garlawolu’s tenure, with expectations running high. They hope she will adhere to the rule of law, dispensing fair and transparent justice without fear or favor.
The community is looking for a judge who will uphold the principles of justice, ensuring that everyone gets a fair hearing, regardless of their background or position.
As the first female judge to lead the 8th Judicial Circuit Court, Judge Garlawolu has a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the county’s judiciary. Her commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability will be crucial in building trust and confidence between the public and the judiciary.
As the 8th Judicial Circuit Court kicks off the 2026 February Term effective Monday, the court’s workload is hefty, with a backlog of cases crowding the criminal docket. The cases range from serious criminal offenses to pressing civil matters, all demanding speedy trials and hearings.
With justice delayed often being justice denied, Judge Garlawolu’s ability to manage this heavy caseload efficiently will be put to the test. The court’s performance in tackling this challenge will likely be under scrutiny, given the high expectations surrounding Judge Garlawolu’s appointment. Efficient case management, fairness, and transparency will be key to clearing the backlog and ensuring justice is served for all parties involved.
