-As Court Throws Out Case Against Her
MONROVIA — Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice has dismissed an indictment against former National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) CEO Rustolyn Suacoco Dennis and co-defendant Richman Jallah, ruling that prosecutors let the statutory clock run out and violated the defendants’ constitutional rights.
In a ruling delivered March 17, 2026, Associate Circuit Judge Ousman F. Feika granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss after finding that the prosecution failed to bring the case to trial within the time mandated by Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law—despite two full court terms passing without action.
The defendants filed their eight-count motion on February 9, 2026, arguing that prosecutors had “failed, neglected, and refused” to move the case forward. They told the court the lingering indictment effectively placed them under travel restrictions, blocking them from seeking medical treatment abroad, conducting business, and attending to family matters—restrictions they argued undermined their presumption of innocence and freedom of movement.
Prosecutors conceded that trial had not begun within the required timeframe, but attempted to pin the delay on the defendants themselves, arguing they should have filed motions to have the case placed on the trial docket. The state also cited its heavy caseload, including drug and theft prosecutions, as contributing to the delay.
“Having met the requirement of the law and the respondent not having shown legally sufficient reasons why the motion should not be granted,” the court ruled, the indictment must be dismissed. The dismissal was issued without prejudice, meaning the state may refile charges. For now, however, the defendants are discharged from the crimes alleged, and the court ordered their constitutional rights “fully restored.”
The case stems from Dennis’s suspension by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., on February 8, 2025—one day after her first anniversary as NOCAL’s CEO. The suspension followed a board resolution recommending investigation into unspecified allegations.
At the center of the controversy were leaked documents suggesting NOCAL authorized a US$75,000 withdrawal to purchase an MG 2024 RX8 seven-seater SUV for Dennis’s use.
Dennis vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting the vehicle was not acquired for that amount and explaining that security protocols required separate transportation from staff. “The CEO is aware that the position is one of trust and carries sensitive information,” she said at the time. “Therefore, a CEO will not ride in one car with her drivers, security, and staff.”
She stressed that all financial transactions at NOCAL undergo strict review. “I do not sign cheques independently. All financial transactions are reviewed and approved by NOCAL’s Vice President of Finance. I will not cower to political pressure.” The scandal escalated when reports emerged that the vehicle was actually purchased for US$45,000—raising questions about the missing US$30,000.
Investigators alleged Dennis sought a US$30,000 kickback from dealership Cactus Motors, and when refused, diverted a separate vehicle worth US$30,000, registering it under her private sanitation company, “Tanti.” Dennis had previously volunteered for a full audit by Liberia’s General Auditing Commission (GAC) and appeared before the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission days before her suspension. She maintained her willingness to clear her name.
While the court’s dismissal removes the immediate legal cloud, the state’s ability to re-indict means the case may not yet be closed.
