By: Emmanuel Wise Jipoh
Monrovia, Liberia; August 22, 2025 – The Supreme Court of Liberia has handed down a landmark judgment against Esona Kamara and Emmanuel Porte, convicting them of theft of property and criminal facilitation in a significant theft of property case here.
Both Convicts Esona Kamara Porte and her husband, Emmanuel Porte, have been charged with the crime.
The incident occurred when Esona Kamara Porte, who used to work with popular Nimbaian businessman Taro Nya Dekpah for several years, beginning in 2022, absconded with a huge sum of money and was caught on CCTV while returning the amount of $100,000 Liberian dollars in cash.
Further reports stated Madam Esona confessed to the crime on January 31, 2024, after a review of CCTV footage.
She, however, pleaded for forgiveness from her boss, Mr. Dekpah, stating that her action was facilitated by her husband, Mr. Emmanuel Porte, who initiated the idea.
Following a thorough ruling at the Supreme Court, both defendants, Esona Kamara and Emmanuel Porte, were charged with purposely, knowingly, intentionally, and criminally committing the crimes of Theft of Property, Criminal Conspiracy, and Criminal Facilitation.”
The sentencing follows an indictment by the Grand Jury against Esona Kamara, Emmanuel Porte, and Princess Porte.
The indictment states, “During the period from December 17, 2023, to January 31, 2024, in the City of Ganta, the principal defendant Esona Kamara, along with co-defendants Emmanuel Porte and Princess Porte, purposely, knowingly, intentionally, and criminally committed the crimes of Theft of Property, Criminal Conspiracy, and Criminal Facilitation.”
Emmanuel Porte has been convicted of conspiracy. The two individuals were sentenced to five years each in prison.
In addition to their prison terms, the court ordered the defendants to sell the property acquired from the money stolen (fourteen million five hundred thousand Liberian dollars), along with $28,000 (twenty-eight thousand United States dollars), after paying one million seven hundred forty-seven thousand Liberian dollars to enable restitution of a balance of L$12,753,000 and US$28,000, representing the value of funds and property linked to the case.
However, should the amount so generated not be able to cover the money to be restituted after the sale of the property acquired, they are ordered to restitute the difference.
At the same time, the case, which has drawn public attention, highlights ongoing concerns over financial crimes in the country. Legal analysts say the judgment sends a strong warning to would-be offenders that theft and criminal facilitation will not be tolerated.
Observers also view the ruling as a step toward strengthening public confidence in Liberia’s justice system. By combining both imprisonment and restitution, the Supreme Court underscored its commitment to ensuring that justice is not only punitive but also restorative.
The conviction of Kamara and Porte comes amid broader calls for stronger judicial action against corruption and property-related crimes, which continue to undermine public trust and economic growth in Liberia.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Liberia has also exonerated Princess Porte, who was earlier charged as part of the crime, and asked for her immediate release.
According to court records, the prosecution established that Esona Kamara and Emmanuel Porte were directly linked to the unlawful taking and facilitation of funds belonging to the Taro and Sons Business Incorporated in Ganta, Nimba County. Editing by Jonathan Browne
