In Monrovia, Liberia, a legal battle over land ownership has taken a dramatic turn with accusations of jury tampering. Cllr. Albert Sims, representing Club Beer Factory in a property dispute against the Intestate Estate of the late Jeda Tor, stands accused of improperly influencing a juror. The Estate alleges that Club Beer Factory is illegally occupying 46 acres of its land located in Bushrod Island, Montserrado County. The heart of the accusation centers on an alleged exchange of contact information between Cllr. Sims and juror Arnold Gbaboh outside the courtroom following a hearing on February 4, 2025. Cllr. Lawrence Tomah, representing the Estate, and court staffer Evelyn Karyee, claim to have witnessed this exchange, prompting Judge Scheaplor Dunbar to temporarily suspend proceedings and launch an investigation. The outcome of this investigation could significantly impact the ongoing property dispute.
Cllr. Sims vehemently denies the allegations, characterizing them as malicious and intended to tarnish his reputation. He admits to providing two jurors with US$10 for transportation, explaining it as a gesture of goodwill, not an attempt to influence their decision. Juror Gbaboh also denies any improper interaction with Cllr. Sims, asserting that he left the court immediately after the adjournment and had no further contact with the lawyer. He has even offered to have his phone records subpoenaed to corroborate his statement. This incident adds another layer of complexity to a case already steeped in legal wrangling.
Interestingly, Juror Gbaboh was part of the jury that ruled in favor of Ecobank Liberia Limited in a separate libel case earlier this year, a case in which Cllr. Sims served as lead counsel. The plaintiff in that case, Wilmot Smith, a former deputy director general, has rejected the verdict and filed for a new trial. The recurrence of Cllr. Sims’ involvement in cases with contested jury verdicts raises questions and fuels speculation.
The underlying property dispute stems from a lease agreement between the late Jeda Tor and Monrovia Breweries, Inc. (MBI) dating back to 1957, covering 19.695 acres of land. This agreement was extended in 2000, with the Estate claiming it expired in 2022. They argue that Club Beer Factory, presumably affiliated with MBI, continues to occupy the property illegally, causing financial hardship for the Estate and its beneficiaries. The Estate is seeking the eviction of Club Beer Factory, along with compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged illegal occupation.
This legal battle highlights the intricacies of land ownership disputes and the potential vulnerabilities of the jury system. The accusations of jury tampering, if proven, could have serious consequences for Cllr. Sims and raise concerns about the integrity of the judicial process. The accusations also underscore the need for stringent safeguards to protect the impartiality of jurors and maintain public trust in the legal system. The ongoing investigation and the court’s eventual ruling will undoubtedly have significant implications for all parties involved.
The core issue remains the ownership and rightful occupancy of the disputed land. The Estate contends that the lease agreement has expired, while Club Beer Factory’s continued presence suggests a differing interpretation of the agreement or other claims to the property. The legal arguments surrounding the validity and expiration of the lease will be central to the court’s determination of rightful ownership. Beyond the immediate legal battle, this case reflects broader concerns about land rights, economic interests, and the pursuit of justice within Liberia’s legal framework. The outcome will not only determine the fate of the disputed land but also set a precedent for future land disputes and influence public perception of the judicial process.
