Monrovia, Liberia – A order of prohibition issued by Justice in Chambers of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Her Honor Jamesetta H. Wolokollie, has halted the prosecution of the highly anticipated US$500,000 Saudi Rice Case. Co-Defendant Thelma Duncan Sawyer and her legal team filed the writ, which temporarily halted the proceedings that were scheduled to start on Friday, November 14.
The case was prepared for trial during the November Term of Court, with all evidence and witnesses ready to testify on behalf of the Republic of Liberia, according to the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT). In order to ensure accountability for the alleged theft of rice supplied by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for catastrophe victims, the Taskforce saw the case as a critical first step.
Due to the High Court’s ruling, the proceedings will not resume until a conference on December 2, 2025. AREPT stated that the interim stay will not interfere with its larger goal of recovering stolen or questionable government assets, notwithstanding the court setback.
According to a statement by Public Relations Officer Joseph F. Daniels, “The Taskforce remains resolute, strong, and unwavering in ensuring that justice is served in this and all other cases under its jurisdiction.”
