Monrovia – Criminal Court “C” Judge A. Blamo Dixon has found George Obi, alias “Original Japan,” and three other defendants guilty in an ongoing drug trial at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
By: Jackie Dennis, contributing writer
Judge Dixon has ordered the Clerk of Court to formally request a pre-sentencing investigationfrom the Probation Services Department of the Ministry of Justice to determine whether the convicted defendants—George Obi (Original Japan), Peter Mamah, Ndubuisi Okonkwo, and Bridgestone Harris—are first-time or habitual offenders. The report is due before the court no later than Monday, February 24, 2025.
Conviction and Charges
George Obi, Peter Mamah, Ndubuisi Okonkwo, and Bridgestone Harris, along with four others, were charged with Unlawful Maintenance and Distribution of Controlled Drugs or Substances, Unlicensed Sale and Distribution of Controlled Drugs or Substances and Criminal Conspiracy.
Judge Dixon ruled that the evidence presented conclusively linked Obi (Original Japan), Mamah, Okonkwo, and Harris to the drug operation, warranting their conviction.
“The principal defendant, George Obi, alias ‘Original Japan,’ along with co-defendants Peter Mamah, Ndubuisi Okonkwo, and Bridgestone Harris, were directly connected, chain to chain, to the evidence presented in this case,” Judge Dixon stated.
Acquittal of Four Defendants
However, the court acquitted four co-defendants—Sunday Udeh, Ivan Jamo, Igwe David, and Edwin Ozioko—of all charges, citing insufficient evidence.
Judge Dixon ruled that the prosecution failed to establish any direct link between the acquitted individuals and the alleged drug crimes. He further noted that LDEA investigators wrongfully charged them, as the evidence clearly showed they were visitors to the compound and not involved in drug-related activities.
He said the evidence revealed that Co-Defendants Udeh, Jamo, David, and Ozioko did not reside in the compound owned by ‘Japan.’ Specifically, Udeh was there to negotiate the purchase of a 2018 Toyota Camry and had offered an advance payment of US$3,000 to Obi for its clearance from the Freeport of Monrovia, the Judge explained.
He ordered the Clerk of Court to issue release documents and clearances for the four acquitted defendants.
Court’s Rationale for Conviction
Judge Dixon upheld the charges against Obi, Mamah, Okonkwo, and Harris, emphasizing that Obi (Original Japan) was the sole owner of the compound where controlled substances were confiscated by LDEA officers; the Writ of Search and Seizure was specifically directed at Obi and his compound; Drugs were found inside Obi’s personal apartment, as confirmed by three state witnesses and Mamah, Okonkwo, and Harris were caught inside the same room packaging narcotics and smoking marijuana, reinforcing their involvement in drug distribution.
Judge Dixon stated that Japan knew or had reason to know that drugs were being trafficked, transited, and distributed from his compound. “Therefore, the Court is inclined to hold him accountable as charged by the Republic,” he said.
He concluded that Mamah, Okonkwo, and Harris were rightly charged with Criminal Conspiracy, as the evidence demonstrated their active participation in drug distribution.
Next Steps
With the guilty verdict now rendered, the sentencing phase will proceed following the submission of the Pre-Sentencing Investigation Report. The convicted defendants face significant penalties under Liberia’s drug laws.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
