Liberia: Debt Court Orders Seizure of Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon’s Properties, Threatens Arrest for Noncompliance

MONROVIA — The Debt Court for Montserrado County has issued a Writ of Attachment against Richard Nagbe Koon, Speaker of the Majority Bloc, ordering the seizure of his assets following a debt claim filed by his wife, Cecelia Kpor Koon.

Background of the $38,500 Debt Dispute

The legal dispute stems from a lawsuit where Madam Koon seeks to recover $38,500 from her husband of 25 years. The case involves allegations of financial mismanagement of their jointly owned rental property in Unity Conference Center, Virginia, Montserrado County.

Key Allegations in the Case

• The couple purchased and developed the land in 2004, building five duplexes with ten apartments
• Since 2007, Mrs. Koon claims she received no accounting of rental income
• Speaker Koon allegedly managed the property singlehandedly without spousal involvement
• In 2015, he reportedly instructed his wife to collect receipts directly from tenants

Court’s Decisive Action

On March 31, 2024, the Debt Court issued the Writ of Attachment, compelling the acting sheriff to:

• Seize all identifiable properties belonging to Representative Koon
• Cover the outstanding debt and court costs
• Potentially arrest Koon if sufficient assets aren’t produced

The court instructed the sheriff to return a report on actions taken by April 10, 2024.

Political and Legal Implications

The case has drawn significant attention due to Koon’s position as:

• Elected representative of Montserrado County’s District 11
• Speaker of the Majority Bloc

Legal experts are divided on the implications, with some viewing it as demonstrating no one is above the law, while others suspect political motivations.

Marital and Financial Tensions

The lawsuit reveals deep marital tensions, with Mrs. Koon alleging:

• Complete exclusion from property management decisions
• No transparency regarding tenants or income
• Significant strain on their 25-year marriage

As of publication, Representative Koon has not publicly responded to the court’s decision.