MONROVIA – The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has drawn a firm legal line in the growing public debate surrounding the Clar Hope Foundation, declaring the matter sub judice and warning that no individual, foundation, or institution is above the law as the case proceeds before the Liberian courts.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 6, 2026, and signed by Joseph F. Daniels, Public Relations Officer of AREPT, the Taskforce clarified that the controversy now sits squarely before the judiciary following legal action initiated by the Clar Hope Foundation itself. As a result, AREPT said it is legally restrained from commenting on the merits of the case or disclosing details currently under judicial consideration.
AREPT stressed that its silence on specific issues should not be misinterpreted as hesitation or retreat. Instead, the Taskforce said it reflects strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for the independence of the judiciary, emphasizing that it will fully comply with all court processes and orders while allowing the legal system to determine the matter in accordance with the law.
Despite the legal restraint, AREPT made clear that it remains undeterred in executing its mandate. The Taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the management and use of public resources, noting that its actions are guided by due process, the rule of law, and Executive Order No. 145.
According to the statement, the court matter arose from a lawful subpoena seeking documents related to the conversion of Government of Liberia funds, donor funds channeled through the government, and donor information connected to the Clar Hope Foundation and the City of Hope Academy. AREPT emphasized that this request does not constitute a determination of guilt, nor does it amount to a violation of rights.
“The inquiry is limited solely to issues of financial transparency, conversion of government assets, and compliance with applicable laws governing the use of public funds and solicitation,” the Taskforce stated, pushing back against claims that the investigation targets humanitarian services or social welfare initiatives.
AREPT further cited Count Five of Executive Order No. 145, which authorizes the Taskforce to investigate circumstances where public assets or funds may have been converted to private use, including cases where state resources are allegedly acquired through official position and later transformed into private holdings. The Taskforce noted that the Clar Hope Foundation matter forms part of a broader review involving multiple institutions and is not an isolated or selective action.
Responding to rising public commentary, AREPT reiterated that its investigations are evidence-based, impartial, and non-political. The Taskforce said it respects the authority of the courts and will proceed strictly in line with judicial directives while the matter remains pending.
The Taskforce also issued a pointed reminder that transparency and accountability are essential to protecting public trust, stressing that no individual or institution enjoys immunity from lawful scrutiny where public resources are involved.
AREPT called on Liberians, including public officials and commentators, to allow the judicial process to take its course without politicization or speculation. “The administration of justice is best served when legal processes are respected,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming its broader mission, AREPT concluded that its work is not intended to disrupt social or humanitarian initiatives but to safeguard public resources, trace and recover stolen assets, investigate the conversion of public property to private use, and ensure accountability in keeping with the rule of law and the best interests of the Liberian people.
