MONROVIA – The National Labor Court of Liberia has issued a writ of execution against the Management of the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC), ordering the arrest of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Controller, and other senior officials for failing to settle a judgment debt owed to former employees.
The court, presided over by Resident Judge Joseph M. Kollie, authorized the Acting Sheriff of the Labor Court, G. Michael Cummings, to seize and sell assets belonging to the PCC in order to recover the outstanding amount owed to former employee Emmanuel Hilluer. The order follows a ruling on a petition for enforcement of judgment stemming from a case of unfair labor practices.
According to the Writ of Execution dated September 2, 2025, the Management of the PCC is instructed to pay the sum of US$8,068.02 (Eight Thousand Sixty-Eight United States Dollars) or risk having its vehicles, office assets, and other valuables seized and auctioned. The court specifically cited assets including a yellow 2020 Double Cabin Hilux, a green plus double cabin, and a Ford pickup with government plates parked at the PCC headquarters.
The writ, bearing the official seal of the National Labor Court, states:
“You are hereby commanded to seize and expose for sale the lands and chattels of the Management of Paynesville City Corporation until you shall have raised the sum of US$8,068.02. If the vehicles mentioned cannot be found, and no lands or goods are available, you are further hereby commanded to arrest the living bodies of the Mayor, Deputy, Controller, and persons acting and operating under the scope and authority of the Paynesville City Corporation, and bring them before the National Labor Court to be dealt with according to law unless they will pay the sum of money or show property to seize or otherwise.”
The writ further empowers the sheriff to sell any property seized and use the proceeds to settle the debt, which the court says must be paid directly to the complainant. The sheriff is also required to report back to the court during its October Term with proof of enforcement.
The dispute originated from allegations of unfair labor practices brought by Hilluer and other employees who accused the PCC of failing to meet its labor obligations. After lengthy proceedings, the National Labor Court ruled in their favor, prompting the issuance of the September writ.
The ruling has intensified pressure on the administration of the PCC, raising the prospect of both asset seizures and the possible arrest of top city officials if the judgment is not satisfied.
As of press time, the Paynesville City Corporation has not responded publicly to the writ of execution.
