MONROVIA, Liberia — The fate of co-defendant Nora Finda Bondo now rests in the hands of Criminal Court “C” after the court concluded arguments over the validity of the property-backed bail bond submitted on her behalf, with a final ruling expected on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The proceedings centered on whether the real estate offered by Bondo’s sureties satisfies the legal requirements necessary to secure her temporary release while her criminal case remains before the court.
A key witness, Fayiah Falanbo, informed the court that he and his wife voluntarily pledged three separate properties as collateral for Bondo’s bail bond. According to his testimony, the properties are located in Fish Market, LPRC Junction, and Shoe Factory Community.
Falanbo told the court that all taxes associated with the properties have been fully paid and presented deeds, tax receipts, and other ownership documents to support the application. The presiding judge admitted the documents into evidence for consideration.
However, during cross-examination, state prosecutors questioned both the ownership and valuation of the properties. Prosecutors also highlighted that Falanbo himself is a co-defendant in the same criminal matter involving Bondo, raising additional scrutiny over the credibility and legal sufficiency of the proposed surety.
Responding to questions from the prosecution, Falanbo explained that the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) had conducted an independent assessment of the properties and communicated their estimated values to him.
When prosecutors asked whether the official LRA valuation report had been submitted as part of the court filings, Falanbo said he could not verify that information, explaining that he is not an employee of the Liberia Revenue Authority and therefore could not speak to the agency’s documentation.
Following the testimony, the defense elected not to call Mrs. Tina Falanbo, one of the listed sureties and the wife of Fayiah Falanbo, as an additional witness. Instead, defense lawyers formally closed their case after submitting all supporting documents related to the bail application.
After admitting the evidence, the presiding judge announced that the court would reserve its decision until Friday, July 3, 2026, when it will determine whether the properties pledged by the sureties meet the legal threshold required to approve Nora Finda Bondo’s bail bond.
The forthcoming ruling is expected to determine whether Bondo will be released pending trial or remain in custody as the criminal proceedings continue.
