Assets Recovery Team in Full Gear to Retrieve Stolen Government Properties and Assets

Monrovia, Liberia: The Supreme Court has confirmed the legality of the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT), allowing them to resume their mission of recovering stolen government assets. The public is urged to report suspicious activities, with assurances of confidentiality for informants.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Liberia has dismissed the petition filed by Gracious Ride, challenging the constitutionality of an Executive Order issued by President Joseph Boakai. The order established the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce, a body tasked with recovering stolen assets and properties linked to corruption.

The court ruled that Gracious Ride, the petitioner, lacked the necessary legal standing to challenge the order, as it did not directly involve their interests. In particular, the court emphasized that the case questioned the functions of a third party, specifically the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), which was given authority to act under the taskforce. The court further affirmed that such a challenge could not be brought by a party not directly impacted by the functions of the taskforce.

This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight against corruption in Liberia, as the asset recovery taskforce is seen as a key component in efforts to reclaim public assets wrongfully acquired through corrupt means. The ruling also underscores the judiciary's role in upholding the constitutional boundaries of executive authority and protecting the functions of independent agencies like the LACC. The dismissal of the case means that President Boakai's Executive Order stands, allowing the taskforce to proceed with its mandate.