LACC Gains Legal Shots

The Supreme Court  has Denied Motion to dismiss an appeal, authorities at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) filed in Lofa County University Corruption Case

LACC filed the motion to dismiss the appeal in a corruption case that involves senior officials from Lofa County University.

According to the LACC, the Court denied and dismissed the motion to throw out the appeal.

The motion was filed by Dr. Isaac P. Podah, President of Lofa County University, B. S. Catakwa, Vice President for Administration, Anthony C. Crayton and Varmuyan L. Kanneh, all of Voinjama, Lofa County.

The accused (movants) had argued that while the LACC, as respondent, timely noted exceptions to the court’s ruling, announced an appeal, and filed its bill of exceptions to the High Court.

The defendants argued that the anti-graft Commission, failed to complete other mandatory steps to perfect the appeal.

Specifically, they contended that the LACC neglected to file and serve an appeal bond, and failed to serve, and file a notice of completion of appeal in violation of established procedures.

In support of their motion, the appellants (plaintiffs) relied on Section 51.4 of the Civil Procedure Law (Revised Code), which outlines the necessary acts for the completion of an appeal: announcement of the taking of the appeal; filing of the bill of exceptions; filing of an appeal bond, and service and filing of notice of completion of appeal.

Having reviewed the arguments, the Supreme Court ruled against the motion.

In its decision, the Court stated:

“Wherefore, and in view of the foregoing, the motion to dismiss the respondent’s appeal is “denied and dismissed, and the appeal ordered proceeded with on its merits.”

The matter, the Court said, will now proceed for determination on the merits of the LACC’s appeal.

The case stems from a 2025 LACC’s investigated into alleged acts of corruption at Lofa County University.

Charges include financial mismanagement, which “involves hundreds of thousands of U.S. and Liberian dollars.”

The Tenth Judicial Circuit Court in Voinjama, later acquitted Dr. Podah and co-defendants; a decision that prompted the LACC to file its appeal.

Legal observers view the Supreme Court’s ruling as a procedural victory for the LACC, which has allowed the anti-graft body to challenge the lower court’s decision on substantive grounds.

The final outcome on the merits could have significant implications for accountability in public higher education institutions and the enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

The LACC has indicated that it remains committed to vigorously pursue the appeal to ensure transparency and justice in the management of public resources. No date has yet been announced for the hearing on the merits.

Source: Ablee-Jay TV