RIVERCESS COUNTY, LIBERIA – A 55-year-old Nigerian national, Joe Okoh, has been sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment by the 14th Judicial Circuit Court for River Cess County for drug-related offenses.
The sentence follows Okoh’s arrest on December 13, 2025, when agents of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) apprehended him at his premises in Solo Village, Yarnee District, River Cess County. Authorities seized a significant quantity of narcotic substances, including marijuana, kush, and “lawo,” from what was described as the defendant’s chemist or mixing room, with a total estimated street value of LRD 198,000.
The arrest came after the LDEA obtained a search and seizure warrant from the Cestos City Magisterial Court, which allowed officers to lawfully enter the defendant’s property.
During his arraignment on Monday, February 16, 2026, Okoh pleaded guilty to Unlicensed Possession of Controlled Drugs and Substances. With the guilty plea, the Court had no option but to adjudge him guilty under Chapter 16, Section 16.5 of 1LCLR, Title II (Criminal Procedure Law) and impose a sentence in accordance with the law.
In delivering the ruling, Judge D. Onesimus Banwon underscored the serious harm illicit drugs cause, particularly among Liberia’s youth, and stressed that the judiciary has a duty to protect future generations from the consequences of drug abuse.
“As priests of justice, we cannot, and will not, allow the economic interests of drug traffickers to endanger our society,” Judge Banwon remarked. He further emphasized that combating the menace of drugs requires active participation from society at large.
The Court noted that the sentence reflects not only the gravity of Okoh’s offense but also serves as a deterrent to others who might seek to profit from the illicit drug trade.
LDEA officials praised the swift action of the Court, reiterating their commitment to combating drug trafficking in Liberia and ensuring that violators face the full weight of the law.
The case has drawn attention in River Cess County, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb the spread of illegal drugs and protect communities from the social and economic fallout of substance abuse.
Okoh’s conviction marks a clear message from Liberia’s judiciary: drug trafficking and abuse will not be tolerated, and offenders, regardless of nationality, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.
The Court’s decision is expected to reinforce ongoing public awareness campaigns, particularly in rural communities where access to education and resources about the dangers of illicit drugs remains limited.
The ruling also aligns with national efforts to safeguard the country’s youth and ensure that Liberia’s future generations are protected from the influence of narcotics.
Judge Banwon concluded by urging families, community leaders, and government agencies to work together in the fight against drugs, emphasizing that successful prevention requires collective vigilance and cooperation.
