By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
The legal dispute between Margibi County District #2 Representative Ivar Jones and activist Robert Francis Okai has proceeded at the Unification City Magisterial Court, where proceedings on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, resulted in Okai being remanded to the Bondiway Prison Compound in Margibi County.
The hearing was delayed after the court rejected the legal representative presented by Okai, ruling that the lawyer was not duly licensed to practice law in Liberia.
Following the ruling, the court ordered that Okai remain in custody at the Bondiway Prison Compound until he secures a qualified and licensed attorney to represent him in the matter.
A new hearing date is expected to be announced by the Magisterial Court in Unification Town once Okai presents proper legal counsel.
Okai was arrested on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Unification Town shortly after attending a church service. His arrest followed a formal complaint filed by Representative Jones, who alleged that Okai had repeatedly made defamatory statements against him on social media platforms.
The lawmaker’s complaint has led to charges against Okai, including disorderly conduct, harassment, and criminal coercion.
Meanwhile, reactions from residents within the district have been mixed, with several citizens expressing concern over the detention of a vocal critic, describing the situation as suppressing critical voices while others backed the action of the Lawmaker.
