The 8th Judicial Circuit Court sitting in Sanniquillie, Nimba County, has ordered the management of Afcons, subcontractor company to Arcelor Mittal Liberia, to pay, as damage, the amount of US$400,000 to Emmanuel Z. David, 39.
The ruling found the company liable for “causing permanent injury to David’s right leg, the result: amputation.”
Presiding Judge Serena F. Garlawolu handed down the landmark judgment on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The court’s ruling ordered Afcons to unconditionally compensate David for his suffering and loss of livelihood; all caused by the company through a car accident.
The initial claim of US$1 million in the civil case was reduced to US$400,000, as the court cites the law, and the Supreme Court precedent as legal reliance.
The ruling held the company responsible for Mr. David’s life-altering injury, which leaves him with lasting physical and emotional scars.
However, the case is not yet over, as Afcons Infrastructure Limited’s legal team announced an appeal to the Supreme Court to take advantage of the law controlling.
The appeal, per law, shall be filed within ten days period.
Case Narrative:
On October 31, 2024, David was sitting on his motorcycle at a bus stop in Zuluyee Town, Nimba County, when an Afcons ambulance crashed into him.
The ambulance, en-route from Ganta to the mine in Yekepa, lost control and struck David, causing him severe wound; a disjointed left arm, and a badly injured leg, resulting in amputation.
Victim’s Ordeal:
David, 39, and father of five, said, the ruling shared his relief and gratitude, which reflected on the two-year, six-months ordeal that began on October 31, 2024.
David, a former staff member of Power System Service (PSS), another subcontractor company to Arcelor Mittal Liberia, revealed how he was financially incapacitated to file a lawsuit against Afcons when the incident occurred, “instead the company sued him for damages, claiming he caused the accident.”
David recounted the morning of the incident, when he stopped at Zuluyee Town’s bus stop to chat with friends on his way to Ganta.
An ambulance from Afcons, traveled from Ganta to Yekepa, lost control and crashed into him from behind, causing severe injuries.
Despite the challenges, David expressed renewed hope for a better life, thanking God for the opportunity to win the case.
“I feel good. Justice still exists for the poor, and due process has been served.”
The court’s decision has glinted hope for David and his family, who now look forward to rebuilding their lives.
The outcome of the Supreme Court appeal will determine the next chapter in David’s quest for justice, and a brighter future for his family.
Source: Shallon S. Gonlor
News Drum Media Consultancy