By Our Reporter | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Prayer warriors dressed in white gathered at the Temple of Justice on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to support former Chief of Protocol Nora Finda Bundoo as she made her first appearance before Criminal Court “C” in connection with corruption-related allegations being pursued by the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT).
The unusual display of faith and solidarity drew attention from court observers as Bundoo, a former close aide to ex-President George Weah, appeared before the court amid an ongoing legal battle that has become part of the government’s broader campaign to investigate and recover allegedly misappropriated public assets.
Madam Bundoo arrived at the courthouse accompanied by supporters and dozens of women clad in white garments, many of whom identified themselves as prayer warriors. The group gathered at the Temple of Justice early Tuesday morning, offering prayers, worship, and words of encouragement before and after the court proceedings. Their presence attracted significant attention from onlookers, transforming the courthouse grounds into a scene where faith and legal proceedings unfolded side by side.
While the prayer warriors focused on spiritual intervention, proceedings inside the courtroom centered on important legal questions surrounding the defendants’ criminal appearance bond.
Presiding Judge Ousman F. Feika heard arguments on a Motion to Justify Sureties filed by AREPT and the Ministry of Justice. The motion seeks to require the individuals who signed the defendants’ criminal appearance bond to demonstrate their legal and financial capacity to serve as sureties.
Government prosecutors identified the sureties as Cllr. Abraham W. Simpson, Rev. Fayiah Falambo, and Mrs. Tina Falambo. Prosecutors argued that the sureties should be required to testify under oath regarding their qualifications and ability to guarantee the bond. The government also raised concerns regarding an attorney simultaneously serving as both defense counsel and surety in the same case.
Bundoo and her co-defendants are facing a series of serious charges, including money laundering, theft of property, misuse of public money, criminal conspiracy, forgery, and criminal facilitation. The allegations form part of ongoing efforts by authorities to investigate and recover assets allegedly linked to the misuse of public resources.
Following discussions between the prosecution and defense, Judge Feika suspended the hearing and ordered the matter reassigned for continuation on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. The upcoming proceedings are expected to determine whether the defendants’ current bond arrangement satisfies legal requirements or whether new sureties may be required.
As Bundoo departed the courthouse following the hearing, the prayer warriors once again surrounded her in prayer and worship, expressing hope that justice would prevail. Their continued show of support underscored the emotional and symbolic dimensions of a case that has attracted growing public attention.
The former Chief of Protocol, who once occupied one of the most influential positions within the Executive Mansion, is among several former government officials whose cases have emerged from the government’s intensified focus on accountability and asset recovery. The proceedings have drawn attention not only because of the allegations involved but also because of Bundoo’s prominent role during the administration of former President George Weah.
The gathering also prompted discussion among Liberians on social media, particularly Facebook, as well as among critics of the former President Weah administration, about the intersection of religion, public accountability, and justice. While supporters viewed the prayer gathering as an expression of faith and solidarity, others questioned whether public demonstrations of religious support should accompany high-profile corruption-related proceedings.
For many Liberians, the case represents more than the legal troubles of a former government official. It has become another measure of the country’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption.
As the case progresses, public attention is expected to remain focused on the evidence presented by prosecutors and the defense mounted by Bundoo’s legal team. The outcome of the government’s challenge to the defendants’ bond could significantly influence the next phase of the proceedings and determine whether the current bond remains valid.
While prayers and worship may provide comfort and hope to the accused and her supporters, the ultimate determination of guilt or innocence will rest on the evidence presented before the court and the judgment rendered through Liberia’s legal process.
