Based on a prosecution request, Judge Nelson Chineh of the Monrovia City Court Monday ordered his clerk to issue writ of subpoena against police chief Chris Massaquoi and the police investigator who charged American Martin David Stearns with illegal possession of ammunition.

The American was charged last Friday with illegal possession of ammunition but was released to the custody of his defense lawyers on a criminal appearance bond.

The state prosecutor prayed on the court to subpoena Col. Massaquoi and the police investigator to testify in the case against the accused American.

The prosecutor argued having difficulty to get the investigator, thus seeking a subpoena as being in best interest of justice in keeping with law.

But defense lawyers resisted state prosecutor’s request to the court claiming it lacked legal basis.

“They want to delay this case in order to trouble our client. This is not their first time requesting the court for more time to bring in their witnesses. Moreover, the delay is causing some psychological effect on our client because he is in all the newspapers here. So your honor, please deny such request that had no legal basis in keeping with law,” the lead defense counsel argued.

Meanwhile, the court set Friday for continuation of trial at the Temper of Justice.

Martin David Stearns was charged with illegal possession of ammunition in violation of chapter 17, Section 17.11 of the criminal law of Liberia.