Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has taken legal action against two senior officials of the National Insurance Company of Liberia (NICOL), securing court orders for their arrest and the search and seizure of property linked to an ongoing criminal case.
The officials are Nortu A. Jappah, Managing Director of NICOL, and Charlotte Kpanah, the company’s Comptroller.
The orders were issued by Criminal Court “C” of the First Judicial Circuit in Montserrado County on September 10, following proceedings instituted by the Republic of Liberia through the LACC.
According to the court documents, the two NICOL officials are facing allegations involving economic sabotage, fraud against the Internal Revenue of Liberia, misuse of public money or records, theft or unlawful disbursement of public funds, theft of property, and criminal conspiracy.
Court Authorizes Search and Arrest
A writ of search and seizure issued by the court directs the Sheriff of Montserrado County, or a designated deputy, to enter and search premises associated with the defendants in Monrovia.
The court order also authorizes the arrest of Jappah and Kpanah and directs that they be brought before the court to answer to the proceedings.
The sheriff is required to make an official return to the court, documenting how the order was executed.
Travel Restrictions Placed on Defendants
The court has also issued a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica, restricting the two defendants from leaving Liberia while the matter remains before the court.
The writ followed an application alleging that the respondents were preparing to depart the country for foreign destinations.
Based on the application, the court directed the sheriff to arrest the defendants if they attempt to leave Liberia and bring them before the court.
The order further provides that the defendants may obtain their release upon satisfying bail and security conditions approved by the court. In the absence of approved bail, they may be committed to the Common Jail of Montserrado County until the required bond and security are provided.
LACC Reaffirms Anti-Corruption Mandate
The LACC said the court’s actions form part of its ongoing efforts to investigate and prosecute suspected corruption, economic crimes and the alleged misuse or misappropriation of public resources.
The commission has nevertheless emphasized that the allegations against Jappah and Kpanah remain allegations and have not been established as fact. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction and are entitled to all constitutional and legal protections.
The LACC is encouraging citizens, public officials and other stakeholders with credible information concerning suspected acts of corruption to report such matters through the commission’s established channels.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, integrity and the protection of Liberia’s public resources as it continues pursuing cases within its statutory mandate.
