By Precious D. Freeman
Criminal Court C’s Judge Blamo Dixon has sentenced George Obi, also known as “Original Japan,” to 20 years imprisonment following his conviction by trial jurors on drug trafficking charges.
Obi’s co-defendants, Peter Mamah, Ndubuisi Okonkwo, and Bridgestone Harris, were also sentenced to five years imprisonment each for drug-related offenses involving substances valued at approximately US$36,235 or LR$ five million.
During his ruling, Judge Dixon stated that the evidence presented during the trial conclusively linked Obi (Original Japan), Mamah, Okonkwo, and Harris to the drug operation, justifying their conviction.
The judge emphasized that the prosecution provided sufficient proof that the convicted individuals were actively engaged in the unlawful maintenance and distribution of controlled substances.
Judge Dixon also ordered the Clerk of Court to formally request a pre-sentencing investigation from the Probation Services Department of the Ministry of Justice.
This investigation will determine whether Obi, Mamah, Okonkwo, and Harris are first-time or habitual offenders, which could influence future legal considerations.
The convicted defendants were among a group of eight individuals charged with Unlawful Maintenance and Distribution of Controlled Drugs or Substances, Unlicensed Sale and Distribution of Controlled Drugs or Substances, and Criminal Conspiracy.
However, Judge Dixon ruled that the prosecution failed to establish any direct link between the remaining four defendants and the alleged drug crimes.
He noted that investigators from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) wrongfully charged the acquitted individuals, as evidence showed they were merely visitors at the compound where the drugs were discovered.
Following the sentencing, defense lawyers representing Obi, Mamah, Okonkwo, and Harris announced that they have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Liberia, seeking to overturn the convictions.
The case marks one of the most significant drug trafficking convictions in recent years, highlighting ongoing efforts by Liberian authorities to combat drug-related crimes in the country.