Monrovia – Criminal Court “A” Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie has denied bail to six defendants at the center of the controversial Property Valuation Bond case, a legal battle that has gripped public attention for months.
By Willie N. Tokpah
Those ordered to remain in custody include Christian Koffa, John Nyanti, Eric Susay, Thomas Isaac Etheridge, Gabriel Fansieh, and Stephen Broh.
The court ruled that key documents submitted in their defense were “faked, fraudulent, and invalid,” following testimony from James Afif Jabar, Assistant Commissioner of the Liberia Revenue Authority’s Real Estate Tax Division, who confirmed the documents were not genuine.
While the court declined to grant bail, Judge Willie noted that three of the accused, Koffa, Fansieh, and Broh, were not considered flight risks.
He left a narrow legal opening for their release if the defense could “legally validate the Property Valuation Bond by correcting the fraudulent transactions.”
“The defendants remain in custody unless and until the bond documents are corrected to meet the legal requirements,” Judge Willie emphasised, suspending further proceedings until the bond issue is resolved.
The ruling represents a turn in a case that has become emblematic of Liberia’s struggle with fraudulent documentation and property disputes.
Property valuation bonds, commonly used to guarantee defendants’ appearances in court, must meet stringent financial and legal standards.
Any fraud in the process not only undermines the integrity of the justice system but also casts doubt on the enforcement of property-related obligations in Liberia.
Legal analysts say the court’s hardline stance underscores a message that fraudulent property documents will not be tolerated.
The Property Valuation Bond case has generated heated debate in Monrovia, with many citizens expressing frustration at how easily fraudulent property documents can be used to influence high-profile cases.
The LRA’s role in exposing the falsification has also been widely praised as a sign of institutional vigilance.
For now, the six defendants remain behind bars at the Monrovia Central Prison as the court awaits any lawful attempt by their legal team to correct the disputed bond.
The outcome of those efforts may well determine the course of the case in the coming weeks.
