By Willie Tokpah
Monrovia-The Monrovia City Magisterial Court has formally dismissed all criminal charges brought against Mr. Allen R. Brown, Jr., CEO of Urban Marketing Group Inc., citing prolonged prosecutorial inaction and failure to proceed in accordance with Liberian law.
The ruling, handed down on January 20, 2026, brings to a close a criminal complaint filed in September 2025 by private prosecutors acting through the intestate estate of the late Hilary Tubman, represented by Abdurahman Barry, Michael Morgan, and Rebecca Tubman.
Charges Dismissed for Failure to Prosecute
The charges, Criminal Trespass, Criminal Mischief, Felonious Restraint, Criminal Conspiracy, and Criminal Facilitation, were never advanced to trial despite the defendant having been placed under the court’s jurisdiction.
Document in thenpossession of this paper shows that during the January 20 hearing, defense counsel from Jones & Jones Law Offices, led by Cllr. Molley N. Gray, Jr., argued that the case had exceeded the statutory 30-day limit for criminal matters before a Magisterial Court, as provided under Rule Nine of the Rules Governing Magisterial Courts, without any justifiable cause.
Counsel contended that the prolonged inaction amounted to a waiver by the prosecution and constituted an abuse of process, resulting in the unjust restraint of Mr. Brown’s liberty.
Prosecution Concedes Motion
Notably, the prosecution, represented by the Ministry of Justice through City Solicitors Alex Hawkins Young, Varfley C. Kulee, and Alfred F. Bandiyo, did not oppose the defense motion. Instead, prosecutors respectfully requested that the court grant the dismissal without prejudice, acknowledging that no evidence had been heard in the matter.
Court Condemns Use of Judicial Process for Harassment
In a ruling, His Honor L. Ben Barco, Stipendiary Magistrate of the Monrovia City Court, held that the continued listing of the case without action was unacceptable and inconsistent with the law.
“The Court should not be used to harass a defendant in the name of seeking justice,” the Magistrate ruled.
The Court consequently granted the defense application, dismissed the matter, absolved Mr. Brown of all charges, and ordered the immediate restoration of his liberty and rights.
Clerk’s Certificate Confirms Dismissal
A Clerk’s Certificate issued by Abel Kaley, Clerk of Court, further confirms that the case was dismissed without prejudice due to the prosecution’s failure to proceed since filing.
The certificate explicitly restores all rights and liberties previously restrained as a result of the action.
Vindication for Allen R. Brown, Jr.
The dismissal represents a full legal vindication for Allen R. Brown, Jr., who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. Legal observers note that the Court’s ruling reinforces constitutional protections against arbitrary prosecution and affirms the judiciary’s role in preventing misuse of criminal process.
With the case now officially closed, Mr. Brown resumes his personal and professional activities free of any legal encumbrance arising from the dismissed charges.
