The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has declared that it remains undeterred and fully committed to its anti-corruption mandate despite recent legal delays in the high-profile MDMC/MOFA criminal case.
In a statement released over the weekend, AREPT addressed public reaction following a stay order issued by the Supreme Court of Liberia, through the Justice in Chambers, Her Honor Jamesetta Howard Wolokolie.
The stay followed a petition for a writ of prohibition filed by defendants in the case, which involves allegations of theft of public property and criminal facilitation linked to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs renovation contract.
AREPT emphasized that the Supreme Court’s action is procedural and should not be misconstrued as a victory for the accused or a collapse of the case.
“The action taken by the Chamber Justice is procedural in nature and does not constitute relief, dismissal, or vindication for those indicted or under investigation,” the Taskforce stated.
According to AREPT, legal maneuvers before the courts do not absolve individuals of criminal responsibility.
“Legal delays arising from applications before the courts do not erase criminal responsibility nor terminate prosecution,” the statement further noted.
The Taskforce reaffirmed its respect for the judiciary and pledged to comply strictly with all court orders while maintaining its institutional independence. It also reiterated that accountability remains a national duty. “No individual or corporate entity is above the law, and accountability for corruption remains a national obligation,” AREPT said.
Dismissing suggestions that the stay order represents a setback, the Taskforce said it welcomes judicial scrutiny and remains confident in the outcome of the legal process.
“The court’s intervention should not be misinterpreted as a setback to the fight against corruption. On the contrary, AREPT welcomes the judicial process… confident that justice will ultimately prevail,” the statement read.
Reinforcing its determination, AREPT vowed to continue tracing, identifying, and recovering stolen public assets and to prosecute all those involved.
“There is no turning back. Despite intentional delays, all stolen public assets will be retrieved,” the Taskforce declared.
The statement, signed by AREPT Public Relations Officer Joseph F. Daniels, also called on the public, civil society organizations, and the media to support the anti-corruption fight.
“AREPT remains resolute in this fight against corruption and encourages citizens to stand firm in support of accountability and justice,” Daniels stated.
AREPT said it will continue to pursue its mandate “without fear or favor” and in the best interest of the Liberian people, as the MDMC/MOFA case awaits further action from the Supreme Court.
