MONROVIA – Deputies from the Civil Law Court on Monday, June 23, 2025, arrested Al Hussein Fadiga, one of the controversial Fadiga brothers, following a court order stemming from a high-profile libel case. Fadiga was immediately remanded at the Monrovia Central Prison after his arrest, marking a major development in a legal battle that has stirred national attention.
The arrest enforces a judgment by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, Civil Law, in favor of former Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Director Abraham Kromah. The court found that Al Hussein and his brother, Hassan Fadiga, had defamed Kromah by accusing him of stealing US$200,000 during a drug bust, claims the court ruled were false and damaging.
The court awarded Kromah US$1.5 million in general damages and added another US$100,000 in penalties after the brothers failed to appear in court. With Al Hussein now in custody, authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend his brother Hassan, who remains at large.
Kromah filed the US$3 million lawsuit on February 6, 2025, alleging that Hassan publicly questioned his competence in handling drug enforcement, while Al Hussein used radio platforms and social media to spread defamatory content. The accusations, Kromah said, were part of a calculated smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Following the ruling, Kromah expressed relief and satisfaction, stating the judgment clears his name and affirms the importance of truth in public discourse. “This is a message to all that reputation matters and lies have consequences,” he said.
The case has reignited debate in Liberia over the balance between press freedom and accountability, with many legal experts and media advocates weighing in on its implications. While some warn that large libel damages could stifle freedom of expression, others argue the decision sets a vital precedent in curbing character assassination and misinformation.
As the legal aftermath continues to unfold, the imprisonment of Al Hussein Fadiga stands as a powerful reminder of the high stakes involved in public allegations, and the legal system’s growing role in protecting reputations.
