-Judge Ousman F. Feika to Decide Whether Former Public Official Will Remain on Bail Amid Money Laundering, Theft, Forgery and Public Funds Trial
MONROVIA – Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice is expected to hand down a crucial ruling on Friday, July 3, 2026, that could determine whether former public official Nora Finda Bondoo remains on bail or is taken back into custody as she faces trial on multiple criminal charges, including money laundering, theft of property and the alleged misuse of public funds.
Judge Ousman F. Feika is scheduled to rule on a Motion to Justify Surety, following days of testimony from defense witnesses and vigorous objections by prosecutors challenging the adequacy of a US$435,560 property bond posted on Bondoo’s behalf.
The Republic of Liberia, represented by the Ministry of Justice and the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT), is asking the court to reject the bond, arguing that the properties pledged as security are insufficient in value and do not adequately satisfy the legal requirements for a bond in a case involving serious economic and financial crimes.
The outcome of Friday’s ruling will determine whether Bondoo will continue enjoying her conditional release pending trial or whether her bail will be revoked.
Bondoo Faces Multiple Criminal Charges
Bondoo is among several defendants indicted by the Government of Liberia on a range of felony offenses arising from an ongoing corruption and financial crimes prosecution.
The charges include money laundering, theft of property, misuse of public funds, criminal conspiracy, forgery and criminal facilitation.
The case forms part of the government’s broader campaign to prosecute alleged corruption and recover public assets through the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force.
Defense Presents Second Surety
During proceedings on Monday, the defense called its second surety, Rev. Fayiah Falabu, to support the property bond.
Falabu testified that he had pledged several properties as security for Bondoo’s release and presented documentary evidence, including three deeds, a tax clearance certificate issued by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and tax payment receipts covering the properties offered as collateral.
Under oath, he identified a deed for property located in Gardnersville, which he said had been conveyed to him by David G. Payne.
He also identified another deed covering property in Yaround Village, Fish Market, Sinkor, which he testified was jointly transferred to him and his wife by Hawa Konneh.
A third property, located in Shoe Factory Community, was identified as having been conveyed to him by Jack Ofabutey.
Falabu further produced tax payment records relating to properties situated in Shoe Factory Community, LPRC Community and Fish Market, which were admitted into evidence after the defense requested the court to formally recognize the documents.
Judge Feika granted the request, and the exhibits were officially marked and confirmed as part of the court record.
Prosecutors Challenge Surety’s Credibility
The prosecution subjected Falabu to extensive cross-examination, raising questions about both his credibility and the adequacy of the pledged collateral.
During questioning, Falabu acknowledged that he is himself a defendant in the same criminal proceedings involving Bondoo.
He also admitted that he had previously served as a surety in related court proceedings.
Prosecutors further questioned whether one of the properties pledged in support of Bondoo’s bond had already been used as collateral in an earlier bail arrangement.
Falabu rejected that assertion, maintaining that the property presented in Bondoo’s case was separate and distinct from any property previously used as surety.
The prosecution also sought clarification regarding when one of the properties was acquired in relation to the criminal indictment.
Although Falabu denied purchasing the property after charges were filed, he confirmed that he had received copies of both the writ of arrest and the indictment issued by the court.
Earlier Testimony by First Surety
Falabu’s appearance followed testimony last week by the defense’s first surety, Counselor Abraham W. Simpson, who informed the court that he had pledged a property located in Gaye Town, Old Road, Monrovia, with an estimated value of approximately US$200,000.
Simpson testified that the property is solely owned by him, carries no liens or encumbrances and is fully compliant with all applicable tax obligations.
His testimony also attracted rigorous cross-examination from prosecutors, who questioned his dual role as both legal counsel and surety in the case, as well as issues relating to professional ethics and the valuation of the property.
Background to the Property Bond
Criminal Court “C” initially approved Bondoo’s US$435,560 property valuation bond on June 9, 2026, pending the hearing and determination of the prosecution’s formal objections.
Court records indicate that the bond is secured by multiple properties located within Montserrado County, owned by designated sureties, including Fayiah and Tina Kumba Falabu of Gardnersville and Counselor Abraham W. Simpson of Oldest Congo Town.
Under the conditions of the bond, Bondoo is required to appear before the court whenever summoned, is prohibited from leaving Liberia without prior judicial approval, and must surrender herself to serve any sentence should she be convicted.
Decision Expected Friday
Following the conclusion of testimony by both sureties, the defense and prosecution waived further questioning, and Judge Feika announced that arguments on the Motion to Justify Surety had concluded.
The court subsequently reserved its ruling for Friday, July 3, when it is expected to determine whether the property bond satisfies the legal requirements for Bondoo’s continued release.
The decision could significantly influence the next phase of the high-profile criminal proceedings, which remain pending before Criminal Court “C” as prosecutors continue pursuing allegations of financial misconduct against Bondoo and her co-defendants.
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