Published: June 16, 2026
MONROVIA – Criminal Court ‘C’ at the Temple of Justice has denied a request by former Commerce and Industry Minister Mawine G. Diggs to travel to the United States for medical treatment, ruling that she must remain in the country to face prosecution in an ongoing corruption case brought by the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force.
The court communicated its decision in a formal letter from the Office of the Clerk of Criminal Court ‘C’ to AREPT Chairman Cllr. Edwin K. Martin, acting through the Ministry of Justice.
Diggs had applied for authorization to travel abroad for medical treatment, prompting Presiding Judge Ousman F. Feika to order an independent assessment by AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, a local institution the court designated to determine whether her condition warranted care outside Liberia. The facility conducted a full assessment and submitted its findings for judicial review. Based on that report, the court concluded that Diggs had not shown a medical condition serious enough to justify international travel.
“Based on the medical assessment conducted by AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, Movant’s request for medical leave is denied,” the court ruled.
The ruling instructed Diggs to continue complying with the conditions of her Criminal Appearance Bond and reminded her that a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica remains in force, barring her from leaving Liberia without the court’s prior approval.
The travel request had drawn intense legal scrutiny after prosecutors and AREPT challenged it, arguing that any request to leave the country should be backed by credible medical evidence and should not interfere with the administration of justice. Earlier filings by AREPT reportedly urged the court to require an independent examination before considering any travel authorization.
Diggs, who served as Minister of Commerce and Industry under former President George Weah, is among several former officials facing prosecution over alleged financial and procurement irregularities under the Boakai administration’s anti-corruption drive. The court’s action means she will remain in Liberia as proceedings continue. The medical assessment the court relied on has reportedly been attached to the case records and shared with the relevant parties.
Courts generally require convincing evidence that treatment cannot be obtained locally before authorizing international travel, particularly in cases involving serious criminal allegations. With the denial of the request, attention now returns to the substantive proceedings before Criminal Court ‘C’ where prosecutors continue to pursue the government’s case against Diggs and other former officials accused of mismanaging public resources.
The matter remains pending before the court.
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