Judge Orders Legal Memoranda Ahead of Decisive Hearing in Kakata
PHOTO: Presiding Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie
By Abraham K. Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
KAKATA, Liberia–The long-running criminal trial of senior officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency is entering its final phase, with closing arguments scheduled for Monday, September 7, 2026 in the 13th Judicial Circuit Court here in Margibi County.
Presiding Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie has ordered both the prosecution and defense teams to file their legal memoranda ahead of the hearing, setting the stage for the jury to begin deliberations.
The defendants
Those expected to face the jury’s consideration include:
Special Agent Joe Logan, LDEA Chief of Operations
Agent Lovette Flowers, Other LDEA officers whose names were listed in the indictment
The case stems from the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Quita Dolo Kosso, who was described in court testimony as a convicted drug offender.
The core issue
Throughout the trial, the defendants have maintained their innocence. Their legal team argues that all actions taken against Mr. Kosso were performed strictly within the scope of their official duties as law enforcement officers.
Prosecutors, however, contend that the officers’ conduct crossed legal boundaries and amounted to criminal misconduct.
What happens next
Monday’s session is expected to be decisive. Both sides will present final arguments before the matter is turned over to the jury.
Following submissions, the jury will retire to deliberate on the evidence presented over the course of the trial. The timing of a verdict will depend on the length of deliberations.
Legal presumption
As with all criminal proceedings in Liberia, the defendants remain
presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The outcome of this trial is being closely watched by security sector actors, civil society, and residents of Margibi County, given its implications for law enforcement operations and accountability in the country’s anti-drug efforts.