MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Stipendiary Magistrate of the Monrovia City Court, Ben Barco, on Wednesday rescinded an earlier ruling in the case involving Kindness Wilson and Jumel Cox.

Judge Barco had earlier dropped criminal charges against defendant Wilson; however, Magistrate Barco reinstated the charges, arguing that the latest decision was consistent with the law.

In his ruling, he acknowledged some missteps, adding that the Court is compelled to correct them to uphold justice.

According to the ELBC Judicial Reporter, Magistrate Barco’s decision means that Wilson’s criminal prosecution is expected to continue at the Monrovia City Court.

On October 17, 2025, Kindness Wilson’s rights were restored based on a motion filed by her lawyer before the Court, arguing that the case had exceeded the thirty days, consistent with Rule 9 of the rules governing the Magisterial Court.

In March 2025, Kindness Wilson allegedly assaulted Jumel Cox at Stella Maris University, accompanied by a video that went viral on social media.

Kindness Wilson pleaded “Not guilty” to all charges levied against her, thus shifting the ‘Burden of Proof’ on Prosecution to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

At the same time, Criminal Court “C” on Wednesday, October 5, 2025, ordered defendant Thelma Duncan Sawyer to surrender her travelling documents and report to the Sheriff’s Office every Wednesday.

Judge Ousman Feika’s decision was due to the defendant’s failure to return to the country within the stipulated time based on an application to seek medical attention abroad.

Judge Feika was acting on an application submitted to the Court by the Head of the Asset Recovery Team, Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin.

Defendant Thelma Duncan Sawyer is among several former government officials indicted for allegedly stealing several bags of rice donated by the Government of Saudi Arabia.