The high-profile corruption case involving several former senior government officials took a dramatic turn this week as the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) filed a motion before Criminal Court “C”, challenging the validity of the criminal appearance bond filed by the defendants.
Those named in the indictment include former Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, former GSA Director General Mary Broh, and former Internal Affairs Minister Varney Sirleaf, among others.
Bond under Fire:
In its motion, AREPT’s legal team argues that the defendants’ bond is legally insufficient, citing concerns about the financial credibility of the insurance company that underwrote it. Prosecutors claim that the company is facing over US$11 million USD in liabilities, making it unqualified to serve as surety.
Further, they alleged that the bond certificate was irregularly signed by a single governor of the Central Bank of Liberia instead of the full board of governors, as required by law-raising questions about its legitimacy.
Defense: Challenge is “Incriminating”
Defense lawyers swiftly pushed back, describing the prosecution’s motion as a misinterpretation of legal standards and a tactic to shift the burden of proof onto the accused.
One of counsels for the defense argued that the bond was legally filed, within the statutory timeframe, and meets every requirement under Liberian law.
They further argued that asking the defendants to produce evidence to validate the bond amounts to self-incrimination, which violates their constitutional rights.
Saudi Rice Scandal: US$425K Allegedly Misappropriated
The charges stem from a 2023 humanitarian aid from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which provided 29,412 (25kg) bags of rice valued at $500,000 USD to the Government of Liberia. The rice was intended for disaster-stricken communities.
Prosecutors alleged that between February and April 2025, more than 25,000 bags of the rice, worth approximately $425,918 USD—were misappropriated by a criminal network of former officials and public servants.
According to the indictment, the defendants held unauthorized meetings at the GSA compound and coordinated the transfer and distribution of the rice for personal and political gain, bypassing the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the institution legally mandated to manage such aid.
Among the allegations:
1,050 bags were allegedly taken by Mary Broh without documentation or records of distribution.
4,000 bags were reportedly removed under unclear circumstances by GSA and NDMA deputies.
Another 5,595 bags were taken by an NDMA staffer with no traceable documentation showing proper community distribution.
The prosecution argues that the actions of the defendants not only violated public trust but also deprived disaster victims of critical aid during a vulnerable time.
Awaiting Court’s Decision as Judge Reserves Ruling:
Presiding Judge Joe Barcon of Criminal Court “C” has reserved ruling on the prosecution’s motion to challenge the bond. A final decision is expected in the coming days.
The case has gripped national attention, with many viewing it as a test of Liberia’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the proper use of international humanitarian aid.
