November 12, 2025
The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) informs the public that while it was fully prepared and set to commence the prosecution of the US$500,000 Saudi Rice Case during the November Term of Court, the Justice in Chambers of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Her Honor Jamesetta H. Wolokollie, issued a writ of prohibition filed by Co-Defendant Thelma Duncan Sawyer and her Legal Counsels, thereby unexpectedly halting the proceedings.
Prior to the High Court’s intervention, AREPT had prayed for an assignment, organized all evidentiary materials, and secured witnesses ready to testify on behalf of the Republic of Liberia. The case was scheduled to begin Friday, November 14, 2025, marking a significant step in holding accountable those accused of misappropriating rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Liberian disaster victims.
The writ, prayed for by Co-Defendant Sawyer, remains in effect until a conference scheduled for December 2, 2025, can be convened.
The Taskforce stresses that the temporary stay will not deter its mandate to trace, identify, and recover stolen and suspicious government assets. AREPT remains resolute, strong, and unwavering in ensuring that justice is served in this and all other cases under its jurisdiction.
AREPT reaffirms its uncompromising commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, assuring the Liberian people that the those involve in the US$500,000 Saudi Rice Case and other cases will be prosecuted despite delays.
Meanwhile, the Taskforce continues active investigations involving former and current officials of government accused of theft of public property and the acquisition of unexplained assets.
Signed: Joseph F. Daniels
Public Relations Officer
Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce
Contact: +231778598286/+231888414124
