Former Justice Ja’neh Drags Boakai Adm. To ECOWAS Court Over “Enforced Disappearance” Of Client

Former Associate Justice of Liberia, Cllr. Kabinneh Mohammed Ja’neh, has filed a lawsuit against the government of President Joseph Boakai at the ECOWAS Court. The suit accuses the administration of violating the United Nations Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, following the alleged disappearance of his client, Khalil Sheriff, who has been missing since his arrest by security forces mid October 2024.

Speaking to radio panelists on Spoon TV, Cllr. Ja’neh is demanding justice for Sherif, whom the Liberian National Police (LNP) detained on the allegation of recruiting individuals to rebel against Guinea’s junta regime, headed Col. Mamadi Doubouya. Despite a court order requiring the police to produce Sheriff, they have failed to do so, leaving his fate unknown.

“Up to now, we cannot tell the whereabouts of my client, whether he is alive or not,” Cllr. Ja’neh lamented. “The security sector has refused to cooperate, and this is a blatant violation of both national and international laws.”

Ja’neh revealed that Sherif was reportedly arrested with over US$170,000 and two pickups. However, only US$2,000 and one of the vehicles have been accounted for, raising further questions about the police’s transparency and accountability.

Cllr. Ja’neh has urged the ECOWAS Court to treat the case with urgency, emphasizing that his client’s life could be at immediate risk. He noted that, under standard procedure, ECOWAS Court files are translated into English, French, and Portuguese before being heard—a process that could delay justice. “This is about life and death; every delay puts my client’s life in greater danger,” Ja’neh emphasized.

Ja’neh also expressed disappointment with the Boakai administration, which he said campaigned on promises of upholding the rule of law. He described the government’s alleged failure to enforce a court order and ensure Sherif’s safety as a “betrayal of their campaign promises”.

“This government campaigned on accountability and justice. Yet, they are showing a complete disregard for the rule of law in one of the first major human rights cases under their administration,” Ja’neh said.