MONROVIA — Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie of Criminal Court “A” is expected to rule in the coming days on the legality of a controversial US$20,000 property bond filed on behalf of defendant Samuel Jackson.
The court heard arguments on Friday, April 17, 2026, following a Bail of Exceptions filed by state prosecutors seeking to invalidate the bond, which facilitated Jackson’s temporary release on April 3, 2026.
Prosecutors mounted a strong challenge against the bond—filed through Denco Liberia Inc.—arguing that it is legally defective and unenforceable. Central to the state’s argument is the alleged lack of authorization from the Central Bank of Liberia and the absence of approval from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
The prosecution further contended that the bond fails to meet standards established by the Supreme Court of Liberia in the landmark case of Royal Pharmacy v. Sylla & Co. Bakery. According to state lawyers, the bond is also deficient due to the absence of a valid Affidavit of Sureties, unclear identification of the property used as collateral, and missing supporting documentation, including tax clearance, lien records, and a verified property valuation.
Additionally, prosecutors described the attached deed as a “purported” document, citing the absence of verifiable proof of ownership.
Relying on Chapter 13, Section 13.4 of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, the state urged the court to declare the bond fraudulent, revoke it, and order the immediate re-arrest of Jackson and his sureties. Prosecutors also called for a full-scale investigation into all parties involved in the bond process, warning of potential criminal liability should the documents be deemed inauthentic.
In response, the defense rejected the prosecution’s claims, citing Chapter 25, Section 25.6, as well as Chapter 13.4, Subparagraph 2 of the same law.
Jackson’s legal team argued that the Bail of Exceptions was procedurally flawed, asserting that it was not properly served on the sureties and was filed outside the statutory timeframe. They further maintained that their client should remain at liberty under existing day-to-day reporting requirements rather than be remanded into custody.
The defense also pointed out that Jackson’s travel documents are currently in the possession of the state, significantly minimizing any risk of flight.
With arguments concluded, Judge Willie’s pending ruling is expected to determine whether the bond remains in force or is set aside—a decision that could lead to Jackson’s re-arrest while a separate investigation unfolds.
In a related development, the court has granted a defense motion for an independent autopsy. The request was not opposed by state prosecutors.
Judge Willie ordered that all associated costs be borne by the defense and directed that the findings be submitted directly to the court for judicial review.
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