Africa-Press – Liberia. Authorities in Bomi County are being accused of defying a Supreme Court stay order by continuing the sale of disputed machines and equipment in Sackie Town, Sinje Township—despite an ongoing legal battle and a pending conference before the court.
The order, issued by Supreme Court Chamber Justice Ceaineh Clinton-Johnson on May 15, 2025, halted any transactions involving the equipment. The order also summoned Mr. Hans Armstrong, Cllr. T. Ciapha Carey (Resident Judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court, Bomi County), and citizens of Sackie Town to appear before the Court on June 4 to address their involvement in the matter.
The legal dispute stems from a June 2023 judgment by Criminal Court ‘C’ in Montserrado County, which granted Armstrong ownership of the equipment. Armstrong had reportedly purchased the assets from Euro Liberia Logging Company. However, residents of Sackie Town claim the equipment was left by Italgems, a mining company that allegedly failed to meet its corporate obligations to the community.
Despite the Supreme Court’s order and the upcoming conference, Bomi County Superintendent Miatta Dorley reportedly instructed her administrative officer, Alphonso M. Sherman, on May 26—just one day after the stay order—to seek buyers for the disputed items.
In a letter sent to scrap companies, including Universal Scrap Dealers Company, Sherman wrote:
“I’m writing to inform you that scrap materials located in Sackie Town, Sinje Township are currently available for sale to all interested buyers. This presents a unique opportunity for your company to acquire available resources at your disposal.”
He added, “We encourage Universal Scrap Dealers Company to consider this offer as it would be beneficial for your operations and sustainability efforts.”
This communication raised concerns, especially since the Bomi County leadership is not a party to the ongoing petition for prohibition currently before the Supreme Court.
Earlier in April, Judge Blamo Dixon of Criminal Court ‘C’ had written Superintendent Dorley, requesting her to lift the stay on the equipment and assist in their transport to Monrovia at Armstrong’s expense. Dorley responded by clarifying that the stay was issued by Judge Carey, not her office, and directed all inquiries to the judiciary.
In a letter dated April 9, Dorley stated:
“We would like to clarify that the stay order in question was issued by His Honor Cllr. T. Ciapha Carey… and not by the superintendent’s office. Therefore, any actions regarding the lifting of the stay order should be directed to the appropriate Judicial authority.”
Armstrong’s legal team previously filed a Bill of Information after discovering that local authorities had placed the equipment on hold, arguing that only the court had the legal authority to do so.
The situation is further complicated by previous sales of the equipment. Former Superintendent Adama J. Robinson allegedly sold some items to Stanley Walker, CEO of Fountain Liberia Inc., while another portion was sold by Reginald Holder to Jehu Richardson.
Following Armstrong’s complaint, Holder and Richardson were indicted and arraigned before the 11th Judicial Circuit Court, and the case was later transferred to Criminal Court ‘C’ in Montserrado County.
Meanwhile, attempts by residents of Sackie Town to intervene in the case were denied by Judge Dixon.
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