MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, has formally raised objections to a property bond valued at US$20,000 submitted on behalf of Samuel Jackson, a defendant facing manslaughter and negligent homicide charges in the ongoing Criminal Assizes “A” at the Temple of Justice.
In a legal filing before Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, the prosecution contended that the bond, secured by DenCo Liberia Incorporated, is legally flawed and should be invalidated. Prosecutors argued that the bond’s approval by the court on April 3, 2026, was issued without the necessary authorization from key regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Liberia and the Ministry of Finance’s Revenue Department. The government asserts that such approval is a mandatory condition for the legitimacy of property bonds in Liberia.
The Ministry of Justice further emphasized that the bond does not meet the legal criteria set forth by the Supreme Court of Liberia, particularly referencing the landmark ruling in Royal Pharmacy v. Sylla & Co. Bakery (1996). According to the prosecution, a valid property bond must be accompanied by an affidavit from the surety that includes details of property ownership, a description of the property, and any encumbrances or unpaid taxes. However, the government claims the bond submitted by Jackson’s defense team lacks these critical components, rendering it invalid.
Additionally, the prosecution raised serious concerns about the authenticity of the property deed attached to the bond. It argued that the deed does not provide clear evidence of ownership, nor does it confirm whether the property has been properly probated and registered in accordance with Liberian law. The prosecution labeled these omissions as “fatal” flaws that undermine the validity of the bond.
In a more severe allegation, the prosecution suggested that the court should investigate the possibility of fraud in the bond submission process. It argued that if the surety, DenCo Liberia Inc., is found to have misrepresented facts or lacks the financial capability to back the bond, the court should not only nullify the bond but also consider criminal charges against the individuals involved.
The government has requested that the court compel Jackson, his legal counsel, and the sureties to appear and provide justification for the bond. Prosecutors warned that failure to do so could result in their arrest and detention pending further investigation and potential criminal prosecution.
Despite the bond being signed by an authorized representative of DenCo Liberia Inc. and claiming a property value exceeding US$524,000 as collateral for Jackson’s release, the prosecution maintains that the document does not satisfy the legal and procedural requirements to ensure the defendant’s adherence to court proceedings.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Justice is urging the court to declare the bond null and void, and to consider any additional relief it deems appropriate. The case is set to continue as both the prosecution and defense present their arguments concerning the validity of the property bond, a decision that could have significant implications for Jackson’s custodial status as the trial progresses.
