By Jacqueline L. Dennis
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Supreme Court of Liberia has reserved ruling after hearing arguments on a Bill of Information filed by former Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. Frank Musa Dean, who is contesting efforts to hold him personally liable in a dispute over a 53.34‑carat diamond.
Dean’s lawyers told the Full Bench that Civil Law Court Judge Boima Kontoe misapplied the Supreme Court’s mandate by focusing on Dean personally for a legal opinion he issued while serving as minister. The opinion, provided to the Ministry of Mines and Energy regarding ownership of a diamond found in Smith Town, Gbarma Mining District #2, Gbarpolu County, was rendered in Dean’s official capacity and cannot ground personal liability, the defense argued.
In an eight-page filing, Dean said the Ministry of Justice’s advice in the matter was disregarded and the diamond was sold privately. He noted that the Ministry of Mines and Energy confirmed US$80,146.78 was paid into government revenue—reflecting a 3% royalty and a US$50,000 fine linked to a purchase from an expired mining claim. Had the Justice Ministry’s advice been followed, Dean contends, the government would have overseen the sale and deposited the full proceeds into the national treasury.
The Ministry of Justice, represented by Cllr. Wilkins Wright, urged the court to dismiss Dean’s Bill of Information, arguing it lacks legal merit and was filed improperly. Wright said Dean should have sought a Writ of Prohibition before a single justice in chambers rather than bringing the matter to the Full Bench.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy dates to 2022, when the 53.34‑carat stone was discovered in Gbarpolu County, triggering competing ownership claims. A Joint Security Board of Investigation convened by the Justice Ministry confirmed the discovery site and identified claim holders.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy later determined the relevant mining license had expired nearly a year before the find, nullifying the claim holder’s legal rights. Citing Article 22(b) of the Liberian Constitution and Section 9.9 of the Minerals and Mining Law, Dean advised that the diamond revert to the Government of Liberia, as minerals tied to expired licenses revert to the state.
What’s Next
The Supreme Court did not announce a date for its decision. Legal observers say the outcome could set an important precedent on whether—and how—former public officials can face personal accountability for legal advice and official opinions issued while in office.
