Monrovia – Ms Global Company, based in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, has filed a lawsuit against Banjak Frozen Food at the Commercial Court in Monrovia over an outstanding debt of US$467,013.50. The lawsuit stems from unpaid invoices for frozen chicken feet, which Banjak has allegedly refused to settle.
By Victoria G. Wesseh
According to court documents, the plaintiff claims that the defendant owes the amount of US$467,013.50, plus legal interest of six percent per annum. Additionally, the plaintiff seeks the recovery of court costs and any other relief deemed just and equitable by the court. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Ms Global Company by Attorney-in-Fact Albert S. Sims.
The court documents reveal between February 2024 and August 2024, Ms Global Company supplied Banjak Frozen Food with various frozen commodities, including chicken upper backs, chicken carcasses, and fish, in varying quantities and at different prices. Initially, the business relationship between the two companies appeared cordial, with Banjak settling its obligations for the first two consignments—totaling 48 tons and valued at US$66,340—on time.
However, the plaintiff alleges Banjak failed to meet its payment obligations for subsequent consignments. As of the filing of the lawsuit, the defendant’s outstanding debt stands at US$467,013.50.
The plaintiff states that on March 19, 2024, it issued Proforma Invoice No. 3297yr2024 to Banjak for the supply of five containers (totaling 135,000 kg) of frozen chicken feet, with an aggregate cost of US$118,800.00. The payment terms stipulated full payment within 30 days of the shipment’s arrival at the Port of Monrovia. On March 25, 2024, Banjak accepted these terms by signing and affixing its stamp to the invoice.
However, three of the five containers were later canceled by Banjak, leaving only two containers delivered to the defendant. These containers were associated with Bill of Lading No. SSZ1451765. Due to the cancellation, the plaintiff issued a revised Commercial Invoice No. 3297-1/2yr2024 for the remaining two containers, valued at US$47,520.00. A credit note of US$345.00 was also issued on May 17, 2024, to correct the initial invoice.
Despite the cancellation of part of the order, the plaintiff claims Banjak continued to delay payments, and on August 9, 2024, a late payment penalty of US$2,358.50 was added to the outstanding amount, bringing the total owed to US$467,013.50.
The plaintiff asserts that despite several efforts to resolve the issue amicably, Banjak’s representatives, Hussein Fouad and Mohammed Sweidan, began refusing to communicate with Ms Global Company. Consequently, the plaintiff dispatched its Export Manager, Ms. Samira El Bahlili, to Liberia in a final attempt to secure payment. However, this effort also failed.
After repeated failed attempts to recover the debt, Ms Global Company hired Justice Advocates and Partners, Inc. to initiate legal proceedings. A formal demand was made on August 13, 2024, requesting payment or a meeting to negotiate a settlement by August 22, 2024. Although the conference was held, no mutual agreement was reached.
In light of these events, the plaintiff is seeking a court judgment against Banjak Frozen Food to compel payment of the outstanding debt of US$467,013.50, plus interest.
“Wherefore, in view of the foregoing, the plaintiff prays Your Honors to enter judgment against the defendant.”
