A Liberian court has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government for the release of Ibrahima Khalil, a Guinean national arrested in Lofa County on charges of allegedly recruiting former Liberian combatants for destabilizing activities against Guinea’s government.
Judge Roosevelt Willie of Criminal Court ‘A’ ordered the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police (LNP) to present Khalil in court by November 14, following a petition by the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) for a Writ of Habeas Corpus. This writ is a constitutional safeguard against unlawful detention, in line with Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, which guarantees individual liberty.
The INCHR asserts that Khalil, who was detained in Lofa County by security forces, was allegedly involved in organizing efforts to undermine Guinea’s political stability. Following his arrest, Khalil was transferred to Monrovia and initially brought before the Monrovia City Court before the case was moved to Criminal Court ‘A’ due to jurisdictional issues.
In its petition, the INCHR highlighted concerns over missing evidence presented in court. The commission claims that while authorities had seized US$115,000, two vehicles, and other items from Khalil, much of the evidence was not provided during the court proceedings. Criminal Court ‘A’ instructed the government to submit all evidence for an indictment. However, reports indicate that only US$2,000 and one vehicle were presented, with no weapons or other critical items.
Khalil’s defense lawyer, Cllr. Kabineh Ja’neh, who also serves as a former Associate Justice of Liberia’s Supreme Court, filed for bail due to the government’s failure to present sufficient evidence. The government’s attempt to resist the motion was met with the court’s demand for the full evidence within 72 hours, a deadline that passed without compliance.
Sources suggest that Khalil may have been transferred to Guinean authorities amid allegations of his involvement in a conspiracy against Guinea’s government. However, the whereabouts of Khalil remain unclear, with Ja’neh alleging that his client has been unlawfully detained and possibly killed.
In a statement, Ja’neh condemned the actions of the government, accusing senior national security officials of violating court orders and undermining the rule of law. He threatened to organize protests if Khalil is not released as ordered.
Khalil’s legal team also pointed out that his client, born in Monrovia to Liberian parents, should be afforded the legal protections guaranteed to Liberian citizens. Ja’neh further criticized the search of Khalil’s residence, conducted without a warrant, and the subsequent seizure of his business funds and personal belongings, which have yet to be returned despite court orders.
