In a dramatic legal twist, the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court has ordered the immediate arrest and detention of several former high-ranking government officials.
The officials are being linked to the alleged ‘missing’ 53.34 Carats diamond. They are to also account for their alleged roles in the disappearance of a 53.34-carats diamond.
Judge J. Boima Kontoe declared that a “criminal network” is responsible for the scandal.
The ruling, issued, names prominent figures, including Counselor Frank Musa Dean, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Gesler Murray, former Minister of Mines and Energy, and Mustapha Tounkara, President, Diamond Dealers Association.
Korvah Baykah, James Biaku and Emmanuel T.J. Saye, are also linked to appraisal, certification, and sale of the diamond.
Judge Kontoe’s findings followed a Supreme Court mandate to investigate the legal irregularities surrounding the seizure and subsequent handling of the diamond.
The court concluded that the entire process, including appraisal, certification and sale under the Kimberly Process.
It was conducted under the influence of the “Mr. Dean’s opinion, with no transparency or proper documentation.”
Network of Collusion and Secrecy
The ruling describes the case as involving “a network of a criminal cartel knitted in the author of connivance, secrecy and collusion.”
The judge said it was highly unlikely that the diamond could have vanished without the involvement of high-level officials.
Imprisonment pending
The Court ruled that unless the named individuals account for the diamond’s whereabouts, they must be arrested and jailed at the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP).
“They shall have been arrested and detained at the MCP until they shall have found, answered, and detained the Monrovia question,” the ruling declared.
The decision is seen as a landmark stance against alleged corruption and abuse of authority in Liberia’s natural resources sector.
The court bold move aims to break the culture of impunity surrounding illicit gemstone dealings. By Melvin Jackson (Contributor)