The Civil Law Court has thrown out an appeal filed by Hassan and Hussein Fadiga in a high-profile defamation case brought against them by former Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Director, Col. Abraham Kromah.
Judge George Smith reaffirmed the court’s earlier verdict handed down on May 6, holding the Fadiga brothers liable for $1.5 million in damages. The court said the appellants failed to “perfect their appeal” in accordance with Chapter 24, Sections 24.1 and 24.2 of the Criminal Procedure Law.
“The failure of the defendants to meet the legal requirements for pursuing an appeal means the May 6 verdict stands in full,” Judge Smith stated in his ruling.
The legal battle stemmed from public allegations made by the Fadiga brothers, accusing Col. Kromah of stealing $200,000 and removing CCTV surveillance equipment during a DEA raid on the premises of convicted drug trafficker George “Japan” Obi.
Kromah, who had repeatedly denied the accusations, described the ruling as a “victory for truth” and a “deterrent against the reckless defamation of people’s character.”
“This judgment is not just about me. It’s about protecting people from being slandered without evidence,” Kromah told Okay FM shortly after the ruling.
The court’s decision is being viewed as a major stance against character assassination in Liberia, especially in cases involving high-ranking public officials.
It remains unclear whether the Fadiga brothers will pursue further legal action or attempt to settle the damages awarded.
Credit: Okay FM
