By By: Staff Writer
The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision to issue a writ of prohibition that temporarily halts the much-anticipated prosecution of the **US$500,000 Saudi Rice Case, a major corruption trial involving several former government officials.
The writ was issued by Justice in Chambers, Her Honor Jamesetta H. Wolokollie, following a petition filed by co-defendant Thelma Duncan Sawyer and her legal team. The decision comes just one day before the trial was expected to commence at the Criminal Court on Friday, November 14, 2025, effectively suspending the proceedings until a Supreme Court conference scheduled for December 2, 2025.
According to a press release issued by AREPT, the Taskforce had been fully prepared to proceed with the case, having organized witnesses and assembled extensive evidence to prove the alleged misappropriation of rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Liberian disaster victims.
“This unexpected intervention has stalled a key moment in our pursuit of justice,” the release noted. “AREPT was ready to present its case on behalf of the Liberian people and hold those accused accountable for the alleged diversion of public resources.”
Determined to Pursue Justice
Despite the setback, AREPT maintained that the temporary stay will not deter its mission to trace, identify, and recover stolen and suspicious government assets. The Taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law**, vowing to ensure that justice is served once the legal obstacles are cleared.
“AREPT remains resolute, strong, and unwavering in its determination to bring closure to this case and all other corruption-related matters under its jurisdiction,” the statement emphasized.
Broader Anti-Corruption Efforts Continue
In addition to the Saudi Rice Case, the Taskforce confirmed that it is actively investigating former and current government officials suspected of theft of public property and the accumulation of unexplained wealth.
The release assured the public that those implicated in corruption will be prosecuted despite procedural delays.
“The Liberian people can be confident that justice may be delayed, but it will not be denied,” the statement concluded.
The US$500,000 Saudi Rice Casehas been one of Liberia’s most closely watched corruption prosecutions, centered on the alleged diversion of humanitarian rice aid meant to support citizens affected by national disasters.
