The Barclayville Magisterial Court has ruled in favor of the Grand Kru County Administration against a contractor, who received the money, but failed to do the work.
The case involves contractor Robert Saah, who absconded with public funds amounted to L$1.5 million intended to renovate the Barclayville City Hall.
The court’s ruling delivered on Thursday, April 2, 2026, Saah was found guilty after he received L$1.5 million as part payment for the renovation project, but he failed to complete the work as agreed.
Court records showed that upon receiving the money, Saah went into hiding for more than seven months; prompting concerns from county authorities and residents over the stalled project.
Officers of the Liberia National Police recently apprehended him and arraigned him.
In its judgment, the court ordered Saah to make full restitution of the L$1.5 million to the County Administration.
Failure to refund the amount, the court warned, will result in a one-year prison sentence for him.
The ruling has been welcomed by residents of Barclayville, many of whom have expressed disappointment over the delay in the City Hall renovation, a project considered important for local governance and administrative functions.
County officials say the judgment sends a strong message about accountability, and the protection of public resources.