A legal standoff is unfolding between the Assets Recovery and Property Task Force (AREPT) and former Chief of Protocol to former President George Weah, Madam Nora Finda Bundoo and Francis Tuain Blamo. Their attorney, Cllr. Abraham Wade Simpson of Simpson Consultancy, LLC, has formally declined a summons for questioning issued by the Task Force, insisting instead that the matter be referred to a competent court of jurisdiction. In a letter dated April 16, 2025, addressed to AREPT Chairman Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, Cllr. Simpson expressed deep concern over the Task Force’s investigative approach. He noted that AREPT had already claimed to possess evidence implicating his clients and had summoned them to appear at the Task Force’s office, located at the Golden Key Hotel, on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Simpson argued that since the Task Force has asserted the existence of incriminating evidence, requesting his clients to appear for questioning is both “premature and unnecessary.” He further emphasized that the appropriate venue to address such allegations is a court of law. “We respectfully request that the said evidence be submitted to a court of competent jurisdiction, where our clients can respond and defend themselves under due legal process,” the letter stated.
Citing Article 21 of the Liberian Constitution and Sections 2.1 and 2.3 of the Criminal Procedure Law, Simpson maintained that the legal position of his clients is grounded in law and intended to uphold justice. He added that the refusal to appear before AREPT is not meant to obstruct the investigation but to ensure fairness and transparency in accordance with legal standards.As a result, Bundoo and Blamo have made it clear through their legal counsel that they will not comply with the Task Force’s invitation but are fully prepared to address the matter in court.
Meanwhile, AREPT has confirmed the authenticity of a letter recently circulated in the media, addressed to Madam Nora Finda Bundoo, former Chief of Protocol to ex-President George Manneh Weah. A release from AREPT is quoted as saying this official correspondence is being issued in accordance with their mandate under Executive Order No. 145, which empowers AREPT to investigate, trace, and recovers stolen and suspicious public assets on behalf of the Liberian people.AREPT noted that the premature and unauthorized release of this letter, which was visibly stamped and officially dispatched, represents a deliberate attempt to sway public opinion and create a false narrative of targeted persecution. The release said AREPT strongly believe that the said document was leaked by the recipient or someone from her inner circle, as the original version bears distinct features unique to our secured communications.
“It is important to underscore that Madam Bundoo is not the only individual currently under investigation,” the release noted. AREPT further that as recently disclosed by the Chairman of AREPT, Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, the Taskforce is nearing the conclusion of 17 major cases, while investigations into an additional nine cases have commenced, bringing the total number of active cases to 26.
They revealed that these cases span multiple sectors and involve various current and former government officials suspected of misappropriating public funds and assets.“We would also like to clarify that an invitation from AREPT investigators does not imply guilt. This process is strictly intended to afford due process to persons of interest in our investigations. If exonerated through the process, AREPT has no authority to pursue further action against such individuals.
”According to the statement, to date, more than 15 current and former government officials have appeared before AREPT investigators in relation to ongoing inquiries, without a single incident of information leakage. We therefore urge those invited to cooperate professionally and to uphold the confidentiality of all official communications.They are further requesting the public and media institutions to approach such matters responsibly, noting that transparency remains a cornerstone of their operations, but the integrity of ongoing investigations must be protected to ensure due process and meaningful accountability.
AREPT reaffirms its commitment to the Liberian people, especially in a context where corruption has significantly contributed to poverty despite Liberia’s rich endowment of natural resources. We remain focused on retrieving stolen assets and restoring public trust in governance.
A legal standoff is unfolding between the Assets Recovery and Property Task Force (AREPT) and former Chief of Protocol to former President George Weah, Madam Nora Finda Bundoo and Francis Tuain Blamo.
Meanwhile, AREPT has confirmed the authenticity of a letter recently circulated in the media, addressed to Madam Nora Finda Bundoo, former Chief of Protocol to ex-President George Manneh Weah. A release from AREPT is quoted as saying this official correspondence is being issued in accordance with their mandate under Executive Order No. 145, which empowers AREPT to investigate, trace, and recovers stolen and suspicious public assets on behalf of the Liberian people.AREPT noted that the premature and unauthorized release of this letter, which was visibly stamped and officially dispatched, represents a deliberate attempt to sway public opinion and create a false narrative of targeted persecution. The release said AREPT strongly believe that the said document was leaked by the recipient or someone from her inner circle, as the original version bears distinct features unique to our secured communications.
“It is important to underscore that Madam Bundoo is not the only individual currently under investigation,” the release noted. AREPT further that as recently disclosed by the Chairman of AREPT, Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, the Taskforce is nearing the conclusion of 17 major cases, while investigations into an additional nine cases have commenced, bringing the total number of active cases to 26.They revealed that these cases span multiple sectors and involve various current and former government officials suspected of misappropriating public funds and assets.“We would also like to clarify that an invitation from AREPT investigators does not imply guilt. This process is strictly intended to afford due process to persons of interest in our investigations. If exonerated through the process, AREPT has no authority to pursue further action against such individuals.
