Judge A. Blamo Dixon of Criminal Court “C” has denied a motion to overturn the incarceration of Peach H. Bility, the son of Nimba District #7 Representative Musa Bility. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, February 27, 2025, is the latest development in the ongoing case involving charges of unlicensed possession, sale, and distribution of controlled substances.
Peach Bility’s legal team, led by Cllr. M. Wilkins Wright filed the motion after the Court revoked Bility’s criminal appearance bond. Bility was initially granted bail in November 2024 but was ordered detained on February 25, 2025, after his primary counsel, Cllr. Arthur T. Johnson failed to appear in Court. The Court argued that Johnson’s absence could delay the trial, leading to Bility’s incarceration.
In his argument, Cllr. Wright maintained that Bility had consistently complied with the terms of his bail and was prepared to proceed with the trial. He asserted that the prosecution had not raised any objections to the bond and described Bility’s incarceration as unjustified.
The prosecution, however, defended the Court’s authority to revoke bail, arguing that the judge had the discretion to ensure the smooth progression of the trial. After hearing both sides, Judge Dixon ruled against the motion, stating that Bility would remain in custody pending further proceedings. The judge emphasized the Court’s responsibility to maintain order and prevent unnecessary trial delays.
Bility’s legal team has signaled plans to challenge the ruling through available legal avenues. The case, which has drawn public attention, centers on serious drug and firearm charges. Bility faces allegations of possessing 21.4 grams of Kush, 500 grams of marijuana, and multiple firearms, including a single-barrel gun, an orange-colored firearm, and a black pistol. Under Liberia’s 2023 Anti-Drug Law, these offenses are classified as first-degree felonies with potential life imprisonment penalties.
Judge Dixon previously faced widespread criticism for granting Bility bail despite the gravity of the charges. Reports emerged that Representative Musa Bility allegedly used his political influence to secure his son’s release after his arrest by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) at Miami Beach. Further controversy arose when it was revealed that Wilfred J.S. Bangura, Chief of Staff to Representative Bility, acted as human surety to facilitate the bail process.
The incident has fueled concerns about political interference in the judicial system. Social justice advocate Martin Kollie condemned the handling of the case, describing it as a clear example of the country’s culture of impunity. Kollie’s statement, “The law cannot only be for the poor and the weak,” echoed public frustration over political elites’ perceived manipulation of the legal system while ordinary citizens face severe penalties.
