Paynesville – The Paynesville Magisterial Court has dismissed a criminal lawsuit involving Mustapha Raji, President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), and Jubilee FC President James Nimene, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to proceed.
By Christopher C.Walker 0777898224/0886723075 christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com
The court’s decision, handed down on Tuesday January 27, 2026, followed a judicial review of allegations including simple assault and disorderly conduct.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the LFA welcomed the ruling, noting that it respects the integrity of the legal process.
“The outcome reflects the conclusion reached by the court after due consideration of the facts presented,” the LFA stated in an official release.
Debunking ‘Misleading’ Narratives
Beyond the legal victory, the LFA moved to squash what it characterized as a smear campaign.
The Association addressed “misleading reports” circulating on social media which suggested Raji had been evading the law or had been taken into custody.
The LFA clarified that President Raji remained fully compliant with all legal requirements and was represented by competent counsel.
“At no time was the President arrested, nor did he attempt to evade the justice system,” the statement clarified.
The Alleged Confrontation
The legal drama stems from an incident on Saturday, January 24, at the LFA Headquarters in Congo Town, outside Monrovia.
According to a complaint filed by James Nimene, a heated exchange in the LFA Conference Room turned physical.
Nimene alleged that Raji acted with “malicious intent,” claiming the LFA boss “banged him in the chest” and “forcibly pushed him from the back” out of the room, further threatening to break his hand.
The initial court writ described these alleged actions as “wrong, criminal, and illegal.”
Roots of the Dispute: Relegation and Fines
Speaking to Front Page Africa via telephone, Nimene linked the altercation to a long-standing feud between Jubilee FC and the LFA leadership.
The friction began last year when the LFA relegated Jubilee FC to the Third Division following an alleged breach involving fraudulent registration documents and an unpaid US$10,000 fine.
Nimene claims the LFA has since systematically sidelined him.
“I was removed from the LFA President’s chat room I was denied LFA email correspondence. There was no medium to receive information I was entitled to,” Nimene told FPA.
Nimene explained that the confrontation occurred when he and the club’s owner, Bishop John Allen Klayee, visited the LFA to inquire why Jubilee players were barred from competing. He alleged that tensions peaked when Raji gave him an ultimatum to stop speaking before physically ejecting him.
Eye on the April Elective Congress
The dismissal comes at a critical juncture for the LFA as it prepares for its highly anticipated Elective Congress in April.
Despite the legal distractions and the lingering dispute with Jubilee FC, the Association emphasized that its leadership remains focused on its mandate of developing football across Liberia.
The post Liberia: Paynesville Court Throws Out Case Against LFA Boss Mustapha Raji As Football House Refutes Arrest Rumors appeared first on FrontPageAfrica.
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