Assets Recovery & Property Retrieval Task Force-AREPT

10/10/2026

COURT DISMISSES WITNESS-TAMPERING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST AREPT, RECOMMENDS DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST DEFENSE LAWYER

MONROVIA — Criminal Court “C” has dismissed in its entirety allegations of witness tampering, intimidation and threats brought against the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) and its Chairman, Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, by defense lawyer Atty. Gbawou Kowou in the Saudi Rice corruption trial.

In a ruling issued October 9, 2026, presiding Judge Ousman F. Feika found the allegations unsubstantiated following a judicial investigation involving witness testimony and video evidence.

The court established that members of the Group of 77 who had previously testified for the defense visited AREPT's offices on October 4 at the instance of their Senior Administrator, Raymond K. Zarby, who misunderstood an invitation intended for preparations for prosecution rebuttal testimony.

The ruling confirmed that the defense witnesses were asked to leave upon being identified and that Chairman Martin was not present during the incident.

Significantly, the court found “absolutely no evidence” that the witnesses were intimidated, harassed or threatened to withdraw their testimony. It also established that Atty. Kowou had prior knowledge of their visit, contrary to his allegation.

Judge Feika further determined that the lawyer's public presentation of unsubstantiated allegations was inconsistent with his professional obligations, describing the witness-tampering allegation as “absolutely false and misleading.”

Consequently, the court dismissed the Bill of Information and referred Atty. Kowou to the Grievance and Ethics Committee of the Supreme Court of Liberia for further investigation, strongly recommending a one-year suspension of his license to practice law.

The ruling reinforces AREPT's position that its actions were lawful and that no defense witnesses were threatened or pressured to change their testimony.

AREPT remains committed to professional conduct, due process and evidence-based investigations in the pursuit of accountability and the protection of Liberia's public resources.

Signed: ______________
Joseph F. Daniels
Public Relations Officer
Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT)
Contact #: +231 888414124
Email: [email protected]

10/10/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10 2026

AREPT WELCOMES LANDMARK JURY VERDICTS IN SAUDI RICE CORRUPTION CASE

Eight Defendants, Including Two Former Cabinet Ministers, Found Guilty at Criminal Court “C”

MONROVIA — The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) welcomes the guilty verdicts returned on Friday, October 9, 2026, by a jury at Criminal Court “C” in the Saudi Rice corruption case, marking a significant milestone in the Government of Liberia's efforts to combat corruption and protect public resources.

Following weeks of testimony, documentary evidence and rebuttal proceedings, the jury returned guilty verdicts against eight of the 13 defendants, including former Foreign Affairs Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and former Internal Affairs Minister Varney A. Sirleaf.

Others convicted were former Deputy Internal Affairs Minister Momolu Johnson; former National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) officials Augustine M. Kollie, Edward S. Konneh, Archievego M. Doe and Rosetta L. Gbassay Bowah; and former General Services Agency (GSA) Deputy Director Edris Bility.

Three defendants were acquitted, while the jury returned inconclusive verdicts concerning two others.

The case arose from AREPT's investigation into the alleged misappropriation of 29,412 bags of rice, valued at approximately US$500,000, donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023 for disaster victims and vulnerable Liberians. The indictment alleged that 25,054 bags were unlawfully diverted or misapplied.

The verdicts represent a major advancement from investigation and indictment to criminal adjudication, demonstrating the importance of sustained investigative work, evidence-based prosecution and institutional cooperation.

Reacting to the outcome, AREPT Chairman Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin reaffirmed the Taskforce's determination to pursue accountability and defend the case against any legal challenges.

“We are prepared. Definitely when they go to the Supreme Court, we will equally go there and defeat them there,” Chairman Martin stated.

AREPT commends the state prosecutors, investigators and other professionals whose work contributed to the prosecution. The Taskforce respects the judicial process and the rights of all parties, including their right to appeal.

The Taskforce considers the verdicts a significant achievement for the Government and People of Liberia and reaffirms its commitment to pursuing accountability, recovering unlawfully acquired public assets through lawful procedures and protecting national resources for the benefit of all Liberians.

Signed: ______________
Joseph F. Daniels
Public Relations Officer
Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT)
Contact #: +231 888414124
Email: [email protected]

06/10/2026

𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲

The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has joined national and international stakeholders at a regional training on Asset Recovery and Illicit Financial Flows, aimed at strengthening knowledge, cooperation and practical approaches to asset recovery.

Speaking at the training in Monrovia, AREPT Chairperson Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin emphasized the importance of collaboration among government institutions, legal practitioners, international partners and other stakeholders in protecting public resources and addressing illicit financial flows.

Cllr. Martin welcomed the training as an opportunity to share experiences and strengthen partnerships, while stressing the importance of translating knowledge gained into practical action, particularly in identifying, investigating, prosecuting and recovering illicitly acquired assets.

“The fight against corruption is not done by an individual or by an institution alone. It is a collective involvement of all actors,” Cllr. Martin said.

He pointed to AREPT’s ongoing practical work, noting that the Taskforce is currently engaged in court proceedings to pursue accountability and recover public resources, while also working with international partners on matters that extend beyond Liberia’s borders.

The Chairperson said continued collaboration is essential to ensure asset recovery efforts are guided by due process, the rule of law, and effective international cooperation.

AREPT welcomed the opportunity to participate in the regional training and reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen Liberia’s efforts to recover public assets and promote accountability.

About AREPT
AREPT was established by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., under Executive Orders 126 (2024) and 145 (2025), the Liberia Penal Code, and international asset recovery frameworks. AREPT operates on the principle that “RECOVERED ASSETS ARE NATIONAL ASSETS,” critical for rebuilding infrastructure, restoring public services and strengthening trust in governance.

04/10/2026

AREPT Clarifies Circumstances Surrounding Witness-Tampering Allegations

MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) today clarified circumstances surrounding an incident at its office and categorically denied allegations that defense witnesses in the ongoing Saudi Rice trial were threatened or tampered with.

As AREPT prosecutors prepare to present rebuttal witnesses, a potential witness who previously provided a statement during the investigation was asked to appear with other persons familiar with the Saudi Rice matter.

The potential witness arrived with two individuals whom he identified as persons familiar with the matter. The witness had no prior knowledge that the two individuals had recently appeared in court as subpoenaed defense witnesses.

Upon recognizing them, AREPT lawyers immediately asked the two individuals to leave the premises. They were not invited by AREPT, were not interviewed, and no statement was taken from them. Both individuals had already testified for the defense, and AREPT had no interest in engaging them.

AREPT strongly rejects any allegation that its lawyers threatened, intimidated or attempted to influence the individuals.

If defense counsel has evidence of witness tampering or intimidation, that evidence should be presented to the court, where such allegations can be properly addressed.

AREPT remains committed to due process and will continue to present its case, including rebuttal evidence, before the court and in accordance with law.

Signed: _____________________________
Joseph F. Daniels
Public Relations Officer
AREPT

03/10/2026

𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐁𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐁. 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧 🕊🕊

PELELEI, B**g County — The late Vice Chairman of the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), Dr. Ranney B. Jackson, has been laid to rest in Pelelei, B**g County, following funeral rites attended by government officials, family members, colleagues, and other mourners.

Representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the funeral, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel A. Stevquoah described Dr. Jackson as an astute statesman who diligently served Liberia. He conveyed the President’s condolences to the bereaved family and thanked Dr. Jackson’s wife for allowing her husband to devote much of his life to public service.

AREPT Chairman Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, delivering the Taskforce’s tribute, praised Dr. Jackson’s leadership and contributions to AREPT, remembering him as a committed colleague who played an important role in the institution’s asset recovery and accountability work. Dr. Jackson served as AREPT Vice Chairperson and brought decades of experience in public administration, finance and governance to the institution.

Other officials, community leaders, relatives and friends also paid their last respects before Dr. Jackson was laid to rest.

Before the funeral, Dr. Jackson was honored on Thursday at the Capitol Building in Monrovia, where current and former lawmakers paid their final respects. House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon joined members of the Legislature in honoring their former colleague, who served in the National Transitional Legislative Assembly.

AREPT extends its deepest sympathy to Mrs. Alice Jackson and the entire bereaved family.

May the soul of Dr. Ranney B. Jackson rest in perfect peace. 🕊🕊🕊

28/09/2026

AREPT Announces Funeral Activities for Late Vice Chairman Dr. Ranney B. Jackson 🕊️

The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) announces activities leading to the funeral and interment of its late Vice Chairman, Hon. Dr. Ranney B. Jackson, who passed away in August 2026 at the age of 74.

As part of the funeral arrangements, Dr. Jackson will be laid in state at the Capitol Building at 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 1, 2026, where he once served as a member of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly. The ceremony will provide an opportunity for national leaders, former colleagues and others to pay their final respects.

On Friday, October 2, a wake-keeping will be held at the Administrative Building in Gbarnga, B**g County, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

The funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at his farm in Pelelei, B**g County, followed by interment.

Dr. Jackson dedicated decades of his life to public service, including serving as Superintendent of B**g County, Deputy Minister for Operations at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a member of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly, and, until his passing, Vice Chairman of AREPT.

The Chairman, Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, and the entire AREPT family extend their continued condolences to Mrs. Alice K. Jackson and the bereaved family as Liberia prepares to bid farewell to a dedicated statesman and public servant.

May his soul rest in peace 🕊️

22/09/2026

𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐁. 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧

The leadership and staff of the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), headed by Chairman Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, on Saturday paid a courtesy visit to Mrs. Alice Jackson, widow of the late AREPT Vice Chairman, Dr. Ranney B. Jackson, following her return to Liberia from the United States over the weekend.

During the visit, Cllr. Martin expressed the Taskforce’s condolences to Mrs. Jackson and her family and reflected on Dr. Jackson’s essential role at AREPT and his contribution to Liberia’s fight against corruption. He described the late Vice Chairman as a statesman who served Liberia diligently and remained deeply committed to public service.

Mrs. Jackson, speaking on behalf of the family, thanked Cllr. Martin and the entire AREPT family for providing her late husband with a conducive working environment. She said Dr. Jackson frequently spoke highly of his colleagues and the atmosphere at AREPT, which he regarded as a family.

Dr. Jackson died on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia at the age of 74. Before he served as AREPT Vice Chairman, his extensive public-service career included serving as Superintendent of B**g County, Deputy Minister for Operations at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and a member of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly. He also served in Liberia’s financial sector and held leadership roles in academia and the Liberian diaspora.

AREPT continues to remember Dr. Jackson for his dedication to Liberia, accountable governance, and the fight against corruption.

24/08/2026

22/08/2026

AREPT Mourns the Passing of Vice Chairman Dr. Ranney B. Jackson 🕊️

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) announces with profound sadness the passing of its Vice Chairman, Dr. Ranney B. Jackson, who died Saturday morning at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia, following his admission on Thursday evening.

Dr. Jackson, age 74, was a distinguished public servant whose service to Liberia spanned several decades. Before joining AREPT, he served the country in several capacities, including as Superintendent of B**g County, Deputy Minister for Operations at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and a member of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly.

As Vice Chairman of AREPT, Dr. Jackson worked alongside Chairman Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin and other members of the Taskforce in advancing the Government of Liberia's efforts to promote accountability and trace and recover public assets. He brought to the institution decades of experience in public administration, governance and finance, and remained committed to public service until his passing.

AREPT has lost a dedicated colleague and public servant whose experience, counsel and commitment to Liberia were invaluable to our work.

Chairman Martin, the membership and staff of AREPT extend their deepest condolences to the Jackson family and all those affected by this loss.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

16/08/2026

🎥 UNDERSTANDING THE CASES

⚖️ The Saudi Rice Case

The Public Relations Department of the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) is launching a series of short videos to provide the public with factual and accessible information about cases being handled by the Taskforce.

In Part One, we take a closer look at the Saudi Rice Case — what the case is about, the allegations before the court, and what to expect as the trial unfolds.

📌 Through this series, the Public Relations Department will explain important developments and help the public better understand what is happening in court, all in simple language.