Court Revokes $2 Million Wrongful Death Judgment Against ArcelorMittal Contractor WBHO-SC

The 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, has set aside its earlier ruling that found ArcelorMittal Liberia’s major contractor, Westwood Group Holdings Overseas Subcontractor (WBHO-SC), liable for the wrongful death of a young Liberian man and ordered the company to pay over US$2 million in damages.‎‎The latest ruling, handed down on October 30, 2025, by Resident Circuit Judge Pape S. Suah, granted WBHO-SC’s Motion for Relief from Judgment, effectively vacating the court’s earlier decision delivered on October 23, 2025. 

The court said the previous default judgment was marred by misrepresentation of facts, misconduct, and newly discovered evidence, as provided under Chapter 41.7 of Liberia’s Civil Procedure Law.‎‎Judge Suah ruled that the company was denied due process when the initial judgment was entered in its absence, noting that the sheriff’s returns did not sufficiently prove that WBHO-SC was properly served. The judge further stated that the court had been “misinformed by the plaintiff and its counsel,” leading to the earlier decision.

“The Movant’s motion for relief from judgment is hereby granted, and the final default ruling of this Court holding the 2nd Defendant liable is hereby set aside,” Judge Suah declared in his written decision. “This case is hereby reopened for a new trial so as to afford the parties the opportunity to be heard and present their side of the case.”‎‎The original case came from the wrongful death of Prince Gbeanqan, who was killed on August 11, 2024, after being struck and dragged by a WBHO-SC truck in Ganta, Nimba County. 

In that ruling, the court awarded the victim’s estate represented by Mrs. Joretha Kehzie Quoiz US$1.5 million in general damages, LD$195,000 in special damages, and US$500,000 in consequential damages.‎‎However, WBHO-SC later filed a 16-count motion seeking judicial reconsideration, arguing that the judgment had been entered without proper notice and that the company had evidence suggesting the case had been settled prior to trial.‎‎Responding to the development at a press conference on October 31, 2025, WBHO-SC’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Teekay, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a “victory for due process and the rule of law.”

“The court’s decision reaffirms our faith in Liberia’s judicial system,” Teekay said. “We appreciate the Honorable Court’s impartial consideration of the matter and remain committed to transparency, ethical business practices, and respect for the law.”‎‎WBHO-SC also clarified that any previous publications or reports citing the US$2 million judgment “no longer represent the current legal status of the case,” emphasizing that the matter has been reopened for a new trial.‎‎The court’s latest decision restores the case to its procedural stage, allowing both the plaintiff and the defendant to present their arguments and evidence before a final ruling is made.

Author: Uriah Suah