Margibi County—Resident Judge Victoria Worlobah Duncan of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Margibi County has temporarily suspended proceedings in the high-profile drug trafficking case involving Quita Dolo and several co-defendants following serious allegations of jury tampering.
By Yawah Y. Jaivey
The decision comes after defense attorneys alleged that Myron Swen, an officer of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), attempted to improperly influence jurors during the ongoing trial.
According to the defense, on June 2, Officer Swen intercepted jurors as they returned from a restroom break and made comments concerning the case.
Witnesses alleged that he suggested Special Agent Joe I. Logan and Agent Lovette Flowers, who are implicated in the same matter, should be convicted.
Judge Duncan described the allegations as grave and warned that they have the potential to undermine public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the judicial process.
She acknowledged that the claims cast a shadow over the credibility of the proceedings and warranted a thorough examination before the trial could continue.
Judge Duncan, however, ordered an immediate suspension of the proceedings and mandated a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, emphasizing that the inquiry should be conducted in open court to ensure transparency.
The case against Quita Dolo stems from her arrest on July 12, 2025, at Roberts International Airport (RIA). Suspect Dolo, 39, was apprehended after LDEA officers allegedly discovered 3.355 kilograms of cocaine concealed in her luggage during a routine search following her arrival on Kenya Airways Flight KQ887 from Bangkok via Nairobi.
Suspect Dolo told investigators that she was unaware that the suitcase—allegedly provided by a friend in Nigeria—contained illegal drugs, believing it contained clothing instead.
Meanwhile, following the suspension of the trial by Judge Duncan, Madam Cecelia Forgbe McGill, Liberia’s former Ambassador to the United States and a member of Diplomats Without Borders, praised Judge Duncan for what she described as her ethics and professionalism in addressing the allegations.
Ambassador McGill said Judge Duncan’s decisive action reflected a strong commitment to transparency and accountability within the judicial system.
“The ruling followed information presented by defense lawyers alleging that Officer Myron Swen had tampered with jurors, as well as other serious allegations that raised concerns about the credibility of the proceedings,” Ambassador McGill stated.
She continued, “Her actions demonstrate a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.”
Ambassador McGill further noted that judicial officers who place the integrity of the legal process above all else are rare, adding that Judge Duncan’s ruling reinforces public confidence in the judiciary.
She expressed optimism that justice would ultimately prevail while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved and ensuring that those affected by the case receive a fair and impartial outcome.
According to Ambassador McGill, Judge Duncan’s ruling has set an important precedent for upholding the principles of fairness, accountability and judicial integrity within Liberia’s justice system.
