He’s Seeking a Writ of Prohibition Against Judge Smith Following Hussein Fadiga’s Sudden Release
Former Director of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Abraham Kromah, has escalated his legal battle with the Fadiga brothers by petitioning the Supreme Court to halt any further actions by the Civil Law Court in the controversial libel case.
On Wednesday, June 25, Kromah’s legal team filed a writ of prohibition before Associate Justice Cllr. Cienneh Clinton Johnson, seeking to block what they describe as the “illegal and arbitrary” release of Hussein Fadiga from Monrovia Central Prison, less than 24 hours after he was detained based on a court order.
According to the petition, Hussein Fadiga was lawfully incarcerated on June 24 following a Civil Law Court judgment that found him and his brother, Hassan Fadiga, liable for defaming Kromah. The June 6 ruling awarded Kromah a total of US$2.6 million in damages: US$1.5 million in general damages, US$100,000 in punitive damages, and additional sums based on legal costs and fees.
The judgment, handed down by Civil Law Court Judge George W. Smith, described the brothers’ actions as “reckless, lawless, impolite and ill-mannered.” A commitment slip was issued for Hussein’s detention, ordering him held until either the full amount was paid or a settlement was reached with Kromah’s legal team.
But in a dramatic turn, Hussein was released just hours after his incarceration, despite having been apprehended earlier that day following weeks of reportedly evading court summons. The circumstances surrounding his sudden release have triggered concern and prompted Kromah’s legal response.
Kromah’s lawyers argue that the release undermines judicial authority and sets a dangerous precedent in the enforcement of court judgments. The writ of prohibition asks the Supreme Court to immediately restrain Judge Smith from taking any further actions in the matter until the legality of Hussein’s release is reviewed.
“This petition is about more than just one man, it’s about upholding the rule of law and protecting the credibility of our judicial system,” a member of Kromah’s legal team stated.
As of press time, the Supreme Court had not yet issued a ruling on the writ. The case continues to draw widespread public interest, both for the high-profile figures involved and for what it reveals about the strength, and fragility, of judicial enforcement mechanisms in Liberia.
