NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, has petitioned Criminal Court “C” to revoke the criminal appearance bond filed on behalf of indictee Nora Finda Bondoo and order her rearrest, raising concerns over the bond’s legality and sufficiency.
By: Gegee Brima
According to court documents, AREPT has formally filed exceptions to the bond submitted for Ms. Bondoo, arguing that it does not satisfy the legal and financial requirements necessary to guarantee her appearance before the court.
Ms. Bondoo is among several individuals indicted on multiple charges, including Money Laundering, Theft of Property, Misuse of Public Money, Criminal Conspiracy, Forgery, and Criminal Facilitation.
Prosecutors allege that the accused participated in the unlawful acquisition and laundering of public assets and resources estimated at approximately US$6.9 million and L$871 million.
In its filing before Criminal Court “C”, the Taskforce contends that the bond posted on behalf of Ms. Bondoo is grossly inadequate when measured against the magnitude and value of the alleged crimes. AREPT further questioned whether the bond complied with all statutory requirements governing its filing, valuation, verification and approval.
As a result, the Taskforce is requesting the court to set aside the existing bond, order Ms. Bondoo’s rearrest, and require the submission of a new bond that fully complies with Liberia’s legal standards before any release is permitted.
AREPT stressed that its challenge to the bond is not intended to deny any defendant constitutional rights or due process protections. Rather, the Taskforce maintained that all accused persons should be subject to the same legal procedures aimed at ensuring accountability and safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process.
“The action is intended to uphold the rule of law and ensure that legal requirements are uniformly applied,” the Taskforce indicated in its filing.
The latest development marks another stage in the high-profile corruption case, which involves allegations of the misappropriation and laundering of millions of dollars in public funds.
The matter is now before Criminal Court “C”, which is expected to determine the validity of the bond and rule on the request for Ms. Bondoo’s rearrest.
AREPT has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ministry of Justice in pursuing corruption, money laundering and asset recovery cases in accordance with the rule of law and due process, emphasizing that efforts to recover public assets and hold those accused of financial crimes accountable will continue through the judicial process.
