MONROVIA – A son being paraded multiply in the public corridors not for the right reason is something any father, particularly father considered an elite of the community, would grieve. No doubt, Nimba County Representative Musa Hassan Bility is teetering through this experience. However, he’s an unapologetic espouser of justice and rule of law, which is while his statement responding to the second arrest of his dear son over drug-and-substance abuse charges carries an oxymoronic tune, as The Analyst reports.
Sombre and courage was the mixture of posture with which businessman-turned politician, Musa Hassan Bility, responded to the arrest or rearrest of his dear son, Peach H Bility, yesterday by government prosecutors.
Peach was in pre-trial detention waiting his day in court for allegations drugs and substance abuse when he was released allegedly based on influence peddled by his father, Representative Bility, whereby the charge for which he was in jail is non-bailable under Liberia’s 2023 Anti-Drug Law.
In a statement delivered February 25, 2025, Bility understandably sounded solemn and bold – expressing his family’s distress upon hearing the news however upbeat that his son will face justice in a country grappling with the scourge of drugs.
“Today, I have received distressing news that my son, Peach Bility, has been re-arrested by order of the judge presiding over his case. This decision comes despite the fact that he has not violated any of the conditions of his bail,” he said rather desolately. “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.”
He continued: “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.”
Bility said the essence of bail was to ensure that the accused does not abscond or evade justice and “My son has done neither. He has remained in Liberia, reported as required, and fully cooperated with the authorities.”
“Let me be clear: as a father and as a public servant, I will not interfere in the legal process. If my son is found guilty of any crime, he must face the full weight of the law. That is justice,” the Nimba County Representative said, adding however that justice must be applied fairly, without political interference or personal vendettas.
He further said his 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.”
Bility however expressed trust in the legal process to determine the truth, but “we also expect that process to be free from manipulation”.
He said this situation highlights a much deeper issue in the country, stressing that 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 noted.
He said government officials who are entrusted with enforcing drug laws are instead facilitating the trade, and that these high-level actors, in collaboration with international drug cartels, continue to endanger the future of Liberia while those who suffer the consequences are abandoned to the streets and the prisons.
According to him, he has long been an advocate for stronger drug prevention and rehabilitation programs in Liberia, has 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. “I call on the Ministry of Justice and all relevant authorities to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality.”
Bility warned that the justice system should not be used as a political weapon, adding that “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.”
Then he had these words for this Peach: “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.”
To the Liberian people, he said: “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.”
“As my family endures this painful ordeal,” he concluded the statement, “we will not be discouraged. Instead, we will use this moment to redouble our efforts in the fight for justice, fairness, and a Liberia free from the scourge of drugs. Thank you.”