MONROVIA – The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has reaffirmed its central role in Liberia’s anti-corruption drive, announcing renewed momentum in investigations and prosecutions following the lifting of a Supreme Court stay order that had temporarily halted its operations. The disclosure was made by AREPT Chairman Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in a year-end message marking the close of the year.
Cllr. Martin said the year under review was both challenging and defining for Liberia’s efforts to recover public assets wrongfully acquired, particularly after the renewal of AREPT’s mandate under Executive Order No. 145, issued by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. He noted that the renewed mandate reaffirmed the Taskforce’s responsibility to trace, investigate, prosecute, and recover stolen public assets strictly in line with the rule of law.
According to the AREPT Chairman, the Taskforce encountered serious legal and operational obstacles in 2025, including a prolonged stay order that stalled investigations and enforcement actions. However, once the restriction was lifted by the Supreme Court, AREPT moved swiftly to reactivate dormant cases and expand its investigative reach.
Cllr. Martin disclosed that three major indictments were unsealed during the year, while more than 40 additional cases remain under active investigation. He said the developments send a clear signal that corruption cases will be pursued regardless of status or position, provided they are supported by lawful and evidence-based processes.
He emphasized that the progress recorded in 2025 was made possible by what he described as strong political backing from President Boakai. Cllr. Martin credited the President’s support and commitment to accountability for enabling AREPT to operate independently and professionally, without fear or favor.
Beyond prosecutions, the Taskforce intensified cooperation with national institutions, including law enforcement and justice sector actors, to strengthen coordination in asset tracing and recovery. AREPT also deepened engagement with international partners, acknowledging that asset recovery increasingly requires cross-border collaboration.
The AREPT Chairman said public outreach and communication were prioritized to ensure transparency and keep citizens informed about the Taskforce’s work. He stressed that recovered assets ultimately belong to the Liberian people, making public engagement an essential component of the recovery process.
Cllr. Martin expressed appreciation to international partners and development allies for technical assistance and continued confidence in Liberia’s asset recovery agenda, noting that such support has helped align AREPT’s work with international best practices.
Addressing the Liberian public, he thanked citizens for their patience, vigilance, and trust, stating that public confidence strengthens the Taskforce’s mandate and reinforces the broader fight against corruption.
Looking ahead to 2026, AREPT reaffirmed its commitment to fully executing Executive Order No. 145 by pursuing investigations diligently, prosecuting cases responsibly, and recovering stolen assets for national development. Cllr. Martin concluded that while the work remains demanding, the Taskforce’s resolve is firm, insisting that Liberia deserves better and that accountability remains non-negotiable.
