State prosecutors in Liberia have dropped all charges against Journalist Sekou Sheriff, Chief Executive Officer of Voice of Liberia due to the prosecution’s failure to proceed with the case against the defendant.

Journalist Sheriff was dragged to court and charged with Criminal Coercion, Harassment, Blackmailing, and Disorderly Conduct following a complaint from former Commerce Minister Mawine G. Diggs.

However, in a notice of clearance, the court said: “This is to certify that a careful perusal of the court’s records in these proceedings shows that the case has been dismissed without prejudice to the state; this is due to the prosecution’s failure to proceed with the case against the defendant.”

The latest decision now restores all the rights of journalist Sheriff under the Liberian laws.

How did it all start?

The complaint claims that the journalist accused her falsely, public ridicule, and the unauthorized release of private information were released by Sekou, in violation of the New Penal Law of Liberia, specifically Sections 14.27, 14.28, and 17.3.

The complainant argues that Sheriff’s actions were aimed at damaging Diggs’ reputation, business standing, and overall credibility. The controversy surrounding this case reached a climax on January 4, 2024, when Sheriff was accused of further spreading damaging allegations against Diggs and even divulging her private contact number through the airwaves.

Despite these allegations, Journalist Sheriff has subjected himself to the court process whilst maintaining his innocence.

In an interview recently, he described the allegations as an attempt to silence his critical voice in the Liberian media landscape.