MONROVIA – A legal standoff has emerged in Monrovia after the Debt Court for Montserrado County issued a directive ordering tenants at the Palm Springs/Corona Hotel to vacate the premises within 24 hours, sparking questions about the enforcement of court judgments and the rights of third parties uninvolved in the original debt case.
The notice, dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to Miss Jacqueline Khoury, CEO of Palm Springs/Corona Hotel, was issued under the authority of His Honor Joseph M. Kolfie, Assigned Judge of the Debt Court. The communication warned that failure to comply would result in contempt of court charges and forced eviction of hotel tenants.
The order stems from a debt case filed by Ding Shu Jun (Nancy Chinese Lady) against Najid Kamard, in which a judgment of US$1,355,886.00 was awarded to the plaintiff. In enforcing this judgment, the Debt Court reportedly sought to seal or restrict certain business operations linked to the debtor, including activities at the Palm Springs/Corona Hotel.
However, the hotel management, through legal counsel The Law Chambers of Yonah, Obey & Associates, Inc., filed a Bill of Information arguing that Palm Springs/Corona Hotel is a separate entity with no connection to the judgment debtor. The filing contends that the enforcement action improperly targets a non-party and challenges the legal authority of the Debt Court to extend its ruling beyond the original debtor.
“Neither the caption of the case nor the mandate of the Chief Justice to enforce the judgment of the Debt Court mentions the petitioner. No statement contained in the mandate mentions the petitioner; therefore, the petitioner remains a non-party to this case for all intents and purposes,” the filing stated.
The informant, Colony Incorporated, which holds an interest in the hotel, also argued that attempting to enforce the judgment against unrelated parties amounts to reviewing the decision of a concurrent jurisdiction court, something settled Liberian law does not permit. The petition requests that the hotel and its tenants be excused from enforcement actions and protected from any potential legal or operational interference.
During proceedings on July 23, 2025, both parties were present in court. Counsel for Colony Incorporated, Clr. Roland E. Dahn, emphasized that the hotel had no legal obligation tied to the debt judgment and urged the court to recognize the distinction. Respondents were represented by Century Law Offices. The matter is now pending a formal ruling from the Supreme Court to clarify the scope and limits of Debt Court enforcement powers.
Legal experts note that this case underscores a broader issue in Liberia’s judicial system regarding the enforcement of court judgments against third-party entities. Observers warn that overreach could set a precedent that threatens business operations and property rights for entities unrelated to underlying debts.
As the Supreme Court deliberates, the Palm Springs/Corona Hotel and its tenants remain in a state of uncertainty, with the potential eviction hanging in limbo while legal questions over jurisdiction and non-party protections are addressed.
