Former Chief of Protocol Nora Finda Bundoo has suffered a major legal setback after a Justice in Chambers of the Supreme Court refused to stop proceedings in her criminal case, a decision that could expose her to possible rearrest.
On Tuesday, Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba declined to grant Bundoo’s request for a writ of prohibition. Madam Bundoo lawyers had asked the Supreme Court Justice to stop Judge Ousman F. Feika of Criminal Court “C” from handling issues related to her criminal appearance bond and earlier detention.
Instead, Justice Kaba ordered Judge Feika to resume jurisdiction over the case and continue the proceedings according to law. The ruling means Criminal Court “C” is free to move ahead with the case without any restriction from the Supreme Court Justice in Chambers.
Bundoo had hoped the Supreme Court would overturn Judge Feika’s decision after she was previously sent to the Monrovia Central Prison over what the court described as a defective criminal appearance bond.
With the petition denied, Judge Feika’s previous orders remain in effect. This means the court can continue examining the validity of Bundoo’s bond and decide what action should be taken next.
Legal observers say the decision also leaves open the possibility that Bundoo could be re-arrested if the court finds that she has not met the legal requirements of her appearance bond. The dispute over Bundoo’s bond has become one of the most closely watched parts of the corruption case against her.
Over the past several weeks, the matter has involved several court hearings, new bond filings, and legal challenges before both Criminal Court “C” and the Supreme Court.
Bundoo is facing several criminal charges, including money laundering, theft of property, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and other related offenses linked to an ongoing public corruption investigation. She has denied all the allegations and continues to challenge parts of the case through her lawyers. Tuesday’s ruling strengthens the prosecution’s position by allowing Criminal Court “C” to continue hearing the case.
Attention will now focus on the next court proceedings, including a decision on Bundoo’s criminal appearance bond and whether any further legal action, including a possible re-arrest, will be taken.
