Court Dismisses Case against Wisner-Former NIC Boss Regains Full Rights

MONROVIA – The dismissal of charges against former National Investment Commission Executive Director George G. Wisner II marks a significant moment in Liberia’s legal and political landscape, raising questions about prosecutorial standards, due process, and the intersection of law and politics. After nearly six years of legal battles over allegations linked to an investment incentive certificate, Criminal Court “C” ruled the case lacked sufficient basis to proceed. Wisner’s acquittal, and his claim that the prosecution was politically motivated, reflects broader debates about accountability, fairness, and judicial independence. The ruling also highlights the reputational and economic toll that prolonged criminal indictments can have on public officials and professionals. THE ANALYST reports.

The Resident Judge of Criminal Court “C” for the First Judicial Circuit in Montserrado County, His Honor Osman F. Feika, has dismissed a longstanding indictment brought in 2020 against Mr. George G. Wisner II, former Executive Director of the National Investment Commission (NIC).

The charges—Economic Sabotage, Theft of Property, and Criminal Conspiracy—were filed by the Ministry of Justice under the administration of President George M. Weah. Judge Feika has ordered the immediate restoration of all rights and privileges of Mr. Wisner as a free citizen of the Republic of Liberia.

BACKGROUND TO THE CASE

Mr. Wisner was indicted in 2020 for allegedly issuing an Investment Incentive Certificate (Duty Free privilege) to MHM EKO, which was later abused by one of the company’s agents, allegedly “cheating the Government of Liberia” of USD 8,592.39 (Eight thousand, five hundred and ninety-two dollars, and thirty-nine cents).

The indictment stemmed from a USD 7.6 million fraud case filed by one of MHM EKO’s corporate partners, Pavel Miloschewsky, against his counterpart, J. Nanborlor F. Singbeh, Sr., for allegedly concealing facts surrounding the incentive award and duping the company of unspecified amounts.

Legal observers noted that the case drew attention because of its connection to Liberia’s investment incentive framework and oversight procedures involving government agencies.

DEFENSE CLAIMS POLITICAL MOTIVE

However, Mr. Wisner’s legal team countered that the indictment was false, malicious, and politically motivated—engineered to silence him because of his critical views as a key member of the Unity Party and the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP).

They argued that while investors are awarded tax incentives under certain conditions, the NIC does not have the authority to issue tax waivers. That responsibility lies squarely with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP).

According to the defense, the investment incentive certificate in question carried the signatures of then-Minister Amara Konneh and Deputy Minister James F. Kollie, both acting within their fiduciary responsibility.

For nearly six years, Mr. Wisner endured what his legal team described as the crushing weight of a politically motivated prosecution.

YEARS OF LEGAL HARDSHIP

Mr. Wisner reportedly lost international job opportunities, his consultancy firm collapsed, and a ne exeat republica was posted at every border, forbidding him from leaving Liberia.

Outwardly calm, he inwardly endured enormous hardship while the case was repeatedly delayed on technicalities and procedural issues.

After hearing arguments and counter-arguments from both prosecution and defense, Judge Feika ruled that the case be dismissed and ordered the immediate restoration of Mr. Wisner’s rights and liberties.

Legal analysts say the ruling underscores the importance of prosecutorial diligence and evidentiary standards in criminal proceedings involving public officials.

WISNER REACTS TO COURT DECISION

Upon receiving his certificate of clearance, Mr. Wisner described the case as a chilling reminder of what he called a dangerous path Liberian politics has taken—where courts can be weaponized to persecute perceived enemies and where justice is bent to serve power rather than truth.

He cautioned that unless such cycles are broken, Liberia risks deeper political divisions and institutional distrust.

Mr. Wisner praised the Almighty God for His unfailing mercy in vindicating him. He extended gratitude to his family, loved ones, friends, and supporters, saying they carried him through the storm with unwavering belief in his integrity.

He reserved special praise for Attorney Kollie A. Dorko and the Mesurrado Law Partners Incorporated, commending their competence and resilience.

He concluded with these words:

“Though I was lied on, scandalized, and deprived of liberty, I rise today stronger, freer, and more determined. I hold malice towards no one. In fact, some of those who were on the prosecution team from the last administration and I have reconciled. I take literally the words of Scripture: ‘For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.’”

Pundits conjecture that the dismissal of the Wisner case highlights ongoing debates in Liberia about due process, political neutrality in prosecutions, and the impact of prolonged indictments on public servants.

Observers say the ruling may influence future cases involving government officials accused of corruption or economic crimes, while reinforcing calls for transparent investigations grounded in evidence rather than political rivalry.

For Mr. Wisner, the decision marks the end of a nearly six-year legal ordeal and the restoration of his civil liberties as a free citizen of Liberia.