Liberia: Grand Gedeh Rep Accused of Shielding Suspected Criminal from Arrest

Ganta, Nimba County – Grand Gedeh County District #3 Representative Jacob C. Debee is under intense scrutiny after allegedly obstructing the arrest of a suspected criminal, Morris Konneh, by guaranteeing his release from the Ganta Magisterial Court — a decision that has since backfired as the defendant has absconded.

---

By Victoria G. Wesseh

---

A guarantee note, in possession of this paper, shows that Rep. Debee and Junior Zlah T., the District Administrative Officer of Gbao, stood surety for Konneh, who was charged with misapplication of entrusted property.

“We, the undersigned — Hon. Jacob C. Debee II, Representative of Grand Gedeh County District #3, and Junior Zlah T., District Administrative Officer of Gbao — do hereby guarantee Defendant Morris Konneh, charged with misapplication of entrusted property, and agree to produce him before the court on February 20, 2025, at 10:00 A.M.,” the note reads.
“CFA 3,600,000 (Ivorian currency) has been left and filed as part of this guarantee process.”

Despite multiple court summonses, neither Rep. Debee nor Mr. Zlah has presented Konneh to the court, raising concerns about interference in the judicial process.

Rep. Debee Responds

When contacted, Rep. Debee confirmed signing the guarantee note but claimed efforts were made to settle the matter.

“I signed the guarantee note, and we provided the cocoa, but the company rejected it, saying it was rotten. So, I stepped away from the case. I don’t have time for that,” he said.

The Alleged Fraud

Konneh is accused of defrauding Mr. John Benedict Totaye, a representative of a European conglomerate involved in cocoa procurement in Liberia, of over 10 million CFA (approximately US$16,666).

According to court documents, the dispute began on December 19, 2024, when Konneh received 44 million CFA (about US$73,333) to purchase cocoa. However, he delivered only 34 million CFA worth of cocoa, leaving an unpaid balance of 10 million CFA. After failing to deliver the remaining goods or refund the balance, Konneh was arrested and charged with deception and misapplication of entrusted property.

Victim Laments Lack of Enforcement

Speaking to this reporter, Mr. Totaye expressed disappointment in Rep. Debee’s intervention, which he believes undermined the court’s authority.

“I initially objected to the lawmaker’s involvement, but Magistrate Owen Freeman overruled my objection,” said Totaye, who clarified that he has no familial ties to Junior Z. Totaye, despite the shared surname.

Totaye said several attempts were made to execute court assignments, including covering transport and operational costs, but each effort was thwarted.

“Each time we paid for an assignment and traveled to Grand Gedeh County, Konneh couldn’t be found. It’s frustrating. Nothing is being done, even though we’ve followed the legal process,” he said.

He also revealed that Magistrate Freeman cited legislative immunity as the reason he could not arrest Rep. Debee but said contempt charges would be filed against Junior Totaye. To date, however, no such action has been taken.

Junior Zlah Acknowledges Responsibility

In an interview, Mr. Zlah admitted his involvement and said efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue.

“I signed the document and am making every effort to resolve the matter. We were able to purchase one ton of cocoa, but it was rejected. I’m currently in Monrovia trying to negotiate a sale. We owe cocoa, not money,” he emphasized.

The situation has raised serious concerns about the abuse of legislative privilege and its impact on judicial processes, particularly in high-stakes commercial disputes involving foreign investors. Court officials and observers say the case underscores the need for clearer enforcement mechanisms and accountability when public officials intervene in legal proceedings.