-Rep. Musa Bility Calls for Fairness in Liberia’s Justice System
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – Nimba County District #6 Representative Musa Bility has expressed concern over the re-arrest of his son, Peach Bility, describing the action as unjust and politically motivated. In a statement released Tuesday, Rep. Bility called for fairness and transparency in the legal process, emphasizing that his son has consistently maintained his innocence and complied with all bail conditions.
Peach Bility, who was previously released on bail after spending seven months in prison, was re-arrested on the orders of the judge presiding over his case. Rep. Bility revealed that his son had diligently adhered to all bail conditions, including weekly reporting to authorities, and had not violated any legal requirements. Despite this, the judge’s decision to remand him back into custody has raised questions about the impartiality of the judicial process.
“Today, I have received distressing news that my son, Peach Bility, has been re-arrested by order of the judge presiding over his case,”* Rep. Bility stated. *“This decision comes despite the fact that he has not violated any of the conditions of his bail. For the past three months, he has dutifully complied with all legal requirements, reporting weekly as mandated. Yet, without any legal justification, he has now been taken back into custody.”
Allegations of Political Interference
Rep. Bility expressed concern that the re-arrest may be influenced by political pressure rather than the rule of law. He stressed that the purpose of bail is to ensure that the accused does not evade justice, a condition his son has fully met. *“I respect the discretion of the judge, just as I respected it when my son was released on bail after spending seven months in prison. However, I am deeply concerned that this latest action is not based on the rule of law but rather political pressure,”he said.
Peach Bility faces narcotics-related charges, which he has consistently denied, claiming that the weapons attributed to him are not his. Rep. Bility reiterated his son’s innocence and called for a fair and transparent legal process. “My son has maintained his innocence, stating that the narcotics-related charges against him are baseless and that the weapons attributed to him are not his. We trust in the legal process to determine the truth, but we also expect that process to be free from manipulation,” he added.
Broader Issues in Liberia’s Fight Against Drug Trafficking
Rep. Bility used the opportunity to highlight systemic issues in Liberia’s approach to combating drug trafficking. He criticized the government for targeting young people while allowing powerful individuals and networks involved in the drug trade to operate with impunity. “The real perpetrators of drug trafficking—the powerful individuals and networks that flood our streets with illegal substances—are not the ones being held accountable. Instead, young people, often victims themselves, are scapegoated while the real criminals operate with impunity,” he stated.
He also accused some government officials of facilitating the drug trade, collaborating with international cartels, and endangering the future of the nation. “Government officials who are entrusted with enforcing drug laws are instead facilitating the trade. These high-level actors, in collaboration with international drug cartels, continue to endanger the future of our nation while those who suffer the consequences are abandoned to the streets and the prisons,” he said.
Call for Justice and Accountability
Rep. Bility called on the Ministry of Justice and other relevant authorities to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality. He urged the government to focus on holding high-level drug traffickers accountable rather than targeting vulnerable young people. “The justice system should not be used as a political weapon. If we are to build a Liberia that truly values justice, we must ensure that legal decisions are based on evidence and due process, not external pressures or political interests,” he emphasized.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for stronger drug prevention and rehabilitation programs in Liberia. “I have long been an advocate for stronger drug prevention and rehabilitation programs in Liberia. I have supported initiatives to rehabilitate young people and prevent further drug-related crimes. Today, as my own family suffers from the consequences of this broken system, my resolve is even stronger,” he said.
In a message to his son, Rep. Bility urged him to remain strong and resilient. “To my son, I say this: Stand strong. This is a difficult time, but it will serve as a lesson and a stepping stone for your future. Our duty as a family is to ensure that you receive a fair trial, and we will do everything within our power to make sure that justice prevails,” he said.
He also called on the Liberian people to remain vigilant and demand accountability from those in power. *“To the Liberian people, I urge you to remain vigilant. The fight against drug abuse and trafficking is not just about one person or one case—it is about the future of our nation. We must demand accountability, not just for the young people being prosecuted, but for those in positions of power who enable and profit from the drug trade,”* he concluded.
