MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Criminal Court “C” in Monrovia has rejected a motion seeking the release of Peach H. Bility, who remains in custody on charges of possessing and distributing controlled substances without a license. Presiding Judge A. Blamo Dixon handed down the ruling on Thursday, February 27, 2025, affirming the Court’s earlier decision to revoke Bility’s bail.
Bility’s legal team, led by Cllr. M. Wilkins Wright, had requested the Court to reverse its previous order, arguing that their client had complied with all bail conditions. Wright contended that Bility’s detention was unjust, especially since the prosecution had not filed any objections to the bond or requested its revocation. However, the prosecution countered that the Court had the authority to revoke the bail in the interest of ensuring a smooth legal process.
The Court’s decision stems from a February 25, 2025, hearing during which Bility’s previous lawyer, Cllr. Arthur T. Johnson, was absent. The judge ruled that the absence of legal representation could delay the trial, justifying the defendant’s incarceration. Despite Wright’s assurances that the defense was prepared to proceed, Judge Dixon maintained that keeping Bility in custody was necessary for the efficient handling of the case.
Bility, the son of Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Bility, faces multiple charges, including the possession of 21.4 grams of Kush, 500 grams of marijuana, and various firearms, such as a single-barrel gun and two other pistols. These charges, under Liberia’s 2023 Anti-Drug Law, are classified as first-degree felonies and carry non-bailable penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment.
The case has generated public outrage due to claims that political influence facilitated Bility’s initial release. Following his arrest by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) at Miami Beach, reports emerged that his father allegedly used his position to secure his freedom. Further scrutiny arose when it was revealed that Representative Bility’s Chief of Staff, Wilfred J.S. Bangura, served as the human surety for his release.
In response to the re-arrest, Representative Bility released a statement criticizing the Court’s decision. He questioned the legal basis for revoking the bond without any motion from the prosecution, emphasizing that his son had consistently followed all bail conditions. The lawmaker insisted that his son deserved a fair trial and warned against using the judiciary as a political tool. He maintained that his son is innocent, asserting that the narcotics-related allegations are baseless and that the weapons do not belong to him.
Bility also expressed broader concerns about the justice system, arguing that high-level drug traffickers often evade prosecution while ordinary citizens face severe consequences. He urged the Ministry of Justice and other legal authorities to uphold fairness and transparency in the judicial process.
The case has drawn sharp criticism from civil society organizations and activists. Social justice advocate Martin Kollie weighed in, describing the incident as a troubling example of legal double standards. Kollie accused the government of fostering a culture where political elites manipulate the justice system to protect their interests. He argued that the case highlights the need for comprehensive legal reforms to prevent similar abuses of power.
Green Media Campaigners, a local advocacy group, also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of Bility’s initial release. The group’s lead campaigner, Steve Doito, condemned the justice system’s perceived bias, arguing that the release of politically connected individuals undermines public confidence in the rule of law.
