MONROVIA – Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice has dismissed the indictment against former National Oil Company of Liberia boss Rustolyn Suacoco Dennis and her co-defendant Richman Jallah, citing the government’s failure to prosecute the case within the timeframe required by law.
In a ruling delivered on March 17, 2026, Resident Circuit Judge Ousman F. Feika held that the prolonged delay in commencing trial constituted a violation of the defendants’ constitutional rights, particularly their right to a speedy trial.
The court’s decision followed an eight-count motion to dismiss filed by the defense on February 9, 2026. The defendants argued that the prosecution had “failed, neglected, and refused” to take the necessary steps to move the case forward. According to the motion, two full terms of court had passed without the matter being placed on the trial docket, in clear contravention of Chapter 18, Section 18.2 of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law.
Defense lawyers further contended that the pending indictment had imposed significant restrictions on the accused, including limitations on their ability to travel abroad for medical treatment, business engagements, and family obligations. These restrictions, they argued, undermined the presumption of innocence and infringed on their constitutional right to freedom of movement.
In response, state prosecutors admitted that the trial had not commenced within the statutory period but attempted to deflect responsibility onto the defendants. The prosecution argued that the accused had not taken procedural steps to have the case assigned for trial and urged the court to consider its heavy caseload, including numerous drug and theft cases, as a contributing factor to the delay.
The state also maintained that dismissing the indictment would not permanently end the matter, noting that the charges could be refiled. However, the defense insisted that the delay itself was unjustifiable and prejudicial.
Judge Feika ultimately rejected the prosecution’s arguments, ruling that no legally sufficient justification had been presented to excuse the delay.
“Having met the requirement of the law and the respondent not having shown legally sufficient reasons why the motion should not be granted,” the judge ruled, ordering the dismissal of the indictment.
The dismissal was made without prejudice, meaning the government retains the legal option to bring new charges against the defendants. The court further ordered that Dennis and Jallah be fully discharged from the crimes alleged in the indictment and that their constitutional rights be restored.
The ruling raises broader concerns about prosecutorial efficiency and case management within Liberia’s judicial system, as delays continue to undermine public confidence and the timely administration of justice.
