By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Paynesville – The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has announced that the much-anticipated prosecution of the US$500,000 Saudi Rice Case has been temporarily halted following a writ of prohibition issued by the Supreme Court.
The writ, filed by Co-Defendant Thelma Duncan Sawyer and her legal team, was granted by Justice in Chambers, Her Honor Jamesetta H. Wolokollie.
The intervention has delayed proceedings that were scheduled to commence on Friday, November 14, 2025.
AREPT had been fully prepared to begin the trial, having organized all evidentiary materials, secured witnesses, and coordinated courtroom assignments.
The case involves allegations of misappropriation of rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Liberian disaster victims.
Despite the temporary stay, AREPT emphasized that its mandate to trace, identify, and recover stolen or suspicious government assets remains unwavering.
The writ will remain in effect until a conference scheduled for December 2, 2025.
“The temporary pause will not deter our mission,” AREPT stated. “We remain resolute in ensuring that justice is served in this case and all others under our jurisdiction. Our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law is uncompromising.”
AREPT also confirmed that investigations continue into alleged theft of public property and the acquisition of unexplained assets by former and current government officials.
The Taskforce assured Liberians that despite procedural delays, all those implicated in the US$500,000 Saudi Rice Case will face prosecution.
