MONTROVIA – In an impressive pushback to the government’s anti-corruption efforts, Simpson Consultancy, LLC, has refused to be summoned by the Asset Recovery and Property Task Force (IRPT) and called for an issue that will be placed in court instead.
The company is led by a well-known lawyer, Cllr. Abraham Wade Simpson represents two well-known individuals, Madame Nora Finda Bundoo and Francis Twain Bramo.
However, with an official response to the IRPT Chairman’s CLLR. Edwin Kra Martin, Simpson makes it clear that the client will not appear in what his client has characterized as an “investigation meeting,” and argues that the court is the right venue to deal with such allegations.
“If Arept believes there is reliable evidence of fraud, the legitimate process requires that it be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction,” Simpson wrote in an April 16 letter. “Our clients are ready to protect themselves, but only within the law.”
This move raises questions about the scope and authority of the newly constructed task force. This intensifies investigations of misuse of public assets and suspected fraudulent wealth. Simpson’s response shows what could be a broader legal battle for a balance between aggressive asset recovery efforts and constitutional protection.
Citing Article 21 of the Liberian Constitution and the Code of Criminal Procedure, Simpson argued that summoning clients without formal charges or court proceedings violated their legitimate proceedings and rights to justice.
“This is not an attempt to disrupt the investigation,” Simpson revealed. “In fact, to ensure that constitutional safeguards are not covered by the side in the name of convenience.”
Simpson added that Madame Bando and Bramo will not appear before the task force upon request, but are ready to answer legal complaints filed in court.
