By Precious D. Freeman
The Debt Court for Montserrado County has ordered the seizure of assets belonging to the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) following its failure to settle a court judgment totaling US$40,200.
The ruling comes as part of an ongoing legal battle initiated by the heirs of the late Florence C. Mends Cole, represented by Cllr. Pearl Brown Bull.
A Writ of Execution issued on March 27, 2025, instructed Bailiff Emmanuel C. Bowen to seize and expose for sale all assets and interests of the LAA, including those under the control of Acting Managing Director Gerald Mends Cole and his deputies at the institution’s headquarters in Unification Town, Lower Margibi County.
The lawsuit stems from an Action of Debt filed by Sahru Joine Mends Cole and Think Jenkie Mends Cole, representatives of the intestate estate of the late Florence C. Mends Cole.
The plaintiffs sought enforcement of a court judgment believed to be related to unpaid debts owed by the LAA.
The court document explicitly states: “If you cannot find the assets of the said Defendant, you are hereby further commanded to seize their properties or arrest their living bodies and forthwith bring them before any judge of competent jurisdiction to be dealt with according to law unless they shall pay the money or show properties to seize and expose for sale.”
Liberian law (1LCLR, page 235 – Section 44.39) empowers court officers to detain individuals or seize properties to satisfy outstanding judgments.
The Debt Court’s ruling follows standard legal procedures to ensure compliance with judicial decisions.
If the LAA fails to produce sufficient assets to cover the outstanding debt, the court has the authority to seize real estate or other tangible assets owned by the institution.
If the required amount is not recovered, court officers may arrest individuals named in the writ, including key officials within the LAA’s management structure.
The LAA has not yet released an official statement regarding the court’s decision or any intended course of action.
However, legal analysts suggest that the airport authority may seek an appeal or negotiate a settlement with the plaintiffs to prevent the asset seizure from proceeding.
Meanwhile, industry experts caution that the court-ordered seizure could disrupt airport operations and impact air travel services.
The potential financial and operational implications for Liberia’s aviation sector remain a key concern as the case unfolds.
The official writ issued by the court mandates immediate enforcement, instructing the bailiff to take necessary steps to recover the amount owed.
The document also states that any proceeds from the sale of seized assets should be transferred to the plaintiffs after deducting court costs and expenses.
Legal observers are closely monitoring developments, as this case sets a precedent for financial accountability among public institutions in Liberia.
The LAA now faces mounting pressure to resolve
