Orders Former LRRRC Boss Patrick Worzie To Appear In Court Friday, But Defense Lawyers Excepts To Ruling
PHOTO: Samuel Tarnue Worzie, former LRRRC Executive Director
By Abraham K. Kollie, Email: kollieabraham23@gmail.com
PHOTO:
KAKATA, Liberia– The 13th Judicial Circuit Court here in Margibi County has denied a Motion to Dismiss the case filed by former Liberia Repatriation, Resettlement and Rehabilitation Commission (LRRR) Executive Director, Patrick Tarnue Worzie, who was indicted on corruption charges.
Presiding Judge, His Honor Roosevelt Z. Willie, Assigned Circuit Judge of this court ruled on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the 36th Day Jury Sitting of the Criminal Division, that the case will proceed to trial.
Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie
And he is to appear in court this Friday.
The case, Republic of Liberia by and through the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) versus Patrick Tarnue Worzie, Mr. Alue Fonana, Maj. Joseph Wea, and Madam Jereldine Kollieh, involves grave charges including Economic Sabotage, Fraud on the Internal Revenue of Liberia, Misuse of Public Money or Record, Theft and Illegal Expenditure of Money, Theft of Property, Misapplication of Entrusted Property, Criminal Conspiracy, and Tampering with Public Records.
COURT PROCEEDINGS
The Court convened at 10:30 A.M. with Judge Willie presiding. After a brief recess, the Sheriff was ordered to call the case.
Worzie is being represented by the Liberia Law Group, represented by Atty. Amara M. Sheriff.
The Republic of Liberia by and through LACC in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, represented by Cllr. Bobby F. Livingstone, Chief Prosecutor, LACC, and Cllr. H. Deddeh Jomah Wilson, County Attorney, Margibi County.
The defense filed its Motion to Dismiss on September 4, 2026, on grounds that the prosecution had failed to try the case for more than two successive terms, thereby violating his rights under the Criminal Procedure Law, Section 18.2, entitled “Dismissal by Court for Failure to Proceed by Prosecution.”
In its argument, the Movant cited Section 18.2 which states:
“Unless good cause is shown, a court shall dismiss a complaint against the Defendant who is not indicted by the end of the next succeeding term after the arrest or indictable offense. Unless good cause is shown, the court shall dismiss the case if the Defendant is not tried after the next succeeding term.”
The prosecution resisted the motion, citing the same legal provisions.
THE JUDGE’S RULING
In his ruling, Judge Willie denied the motion to dismiss and gave a stern warning regarding bail conditions.
“When you are under bond, you cannot travel anywhere,”* Judge Willie ruled. “This Court having gone through this case, will assign this case for this Friday, same being the 18th of September at 10:00 A.M. All parties being present, today’s minutes shall serve as regular notice of assignment. AND SO ORDERED.”
The ruling was given under his hand and seal on the 16th Day of September, A.D. 2026.
DEFENSE EXCEPTS
Immediately following the ruling, the defense took exception.
“To which ruling of your honor, Defendant/Movant excepts in part to the effect of denying the motion to dismiss after 6 terms and gives notice that he will take advantage of the law and accepts to the date of the assignment. AND SUBMITS,”* the defense noted.
Responding, the Court stated:
“THE COURT: Exception noted. AND SO ORDERED. MATTER SUSPENDED.”
The case is now assigned for Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10:00 A.M., with the Court warning that all parties must be present and that the current minutes serve as official notice.
The former LRRRC boss Worzie and his co-defendants remain under bond and are expected to appear for trial.