MONROVIA – The Civil Law Court at the Temple of Justice has ruled in favor of former Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Director Abraham Kromah, awarding him US$1.5 million in general damages and US$100,000 in punitive damages in a libel case against Deputy LDEA Director Hassan Fadiga and his brother Hussein Fadiga.
By: Victoria G. Wesseh
The verdict, delivered by Judge George W. Smith, found the Fadiga brothers liable for defamation, following their public accusations linking Col. Kromah to drug trafficking activities.
“Defendants Hassan Fadiga and Hussein Fadiga are adjudged liable for damages for libel to pay the amount of US$1.5 million in general damages and US$100,000 in punitive damages,” Judge Smith ruled, describing the defendants’ conduct as “reckless, lawless, impolite, and ill-mannered.”
Kromah’s lawsuit, filed on February 6, 2025, alleged that the Fadiga brothers spread false information accusing him of colluding with a known drug dealer identified as “Japan.”
The accusations were made during a public broadcast on Spoon Talk Show and through various media and public platforms. According to court documents, the defendants claimed Kromah had removed a CCTV camera from Japan’s home, visited him at the Monrovia Central Prison, and stolen US$200,000.
Kromah, who now runs a private security firm, testified that these allegations caused significant reputational harm, mental distress, and financial losses, including the termination of a US$2 million contract.
He also told the court the smear campaign stemmed from professional disputes during his time at the LDEA, including disciplinary actions he took against Hassan Fadiga over an unauthorized assignment at Roberts International Airport.
Despite being summoned, the Fadiga brothers failed to appear in court or file a defense. Sheriff’s records indicated that the defendants responded to service of court documents with threats and disrespect toward the court officer. As a result, a default judgment was entered against them.
The court found that Kromah had proven actual malice, a key requirement for public figures in libel suits. The judgment was further supported by testimony from a second witness, Adolphus Terra Quai, and the absence of any evidence from the defense to support their claims.
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