MONROVIA, Liberia — Criminal Court “A” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie has scheduled Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to deliver a ruling on a motion filed by the Clar Hope Foundation seeking to quash a writ of subpoena issued against it by the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT).
The subpoena, filed by Cllr. Edwin K. Martin, Chairman of AREPT, forms part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial improprieties and possible conversion of funds.
The Clar Hope Foundation—associated with former First Lady Clar Marie Weah—is contesting the legality of the subpoena, arguing that it violates constitutional protections guaranteed under the 1986 Constitution of Liberia. Through its legal counsel, the Foundation maintains that compliance with the writ would amount to self-incrimination.
Defense lawyers told the court that the Foundation is a party of interest in the investigation and therefore cannot be compelled to produce documents that could potentially be used against it in subsequent proceedings. The motion urges the court to quash the subpoena duces tecum and deny AREPT’s request for enforcement.
In response, government lawyers representing AREPT described the motion as legally unfounded and without merit. Prosecutors argued that the subpoena was properly issued in accordance with Liberian law and is a lawful tool to facilitate the Task Force’s investigation.
The government has asked the court to deny and dismiss the Foundation’s motion and to compel full compliance with the subpoena. Prosecutors further requested that failure to comply could result in contempt proceedings.
Court records indicate that the writ, signed by Judge Willie on January 15, 2026, directed the Foundation’s General Manager, Jackson P. Gbamie, along with his deputies, to appear before the court on January 23, 2026.
The subpoena requires the production of detailed financial records, including documentation of all funds received from individuals, institutions, and government agencies for the Foundation’s operations and construction activities. The court also requested comprehensive donor information, including amounts contributed and relevant contact details.
The February 24 ruling is expected to determine whether the Clar Hope Foundation will be compelled to comply with the subpoena as the government’s asset recovery investigation proceeds. The decision could also clarify the scope of constitutional protections in cases involving investigatory subpoenas issued to entities under scrutiny.
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