Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Rep. Cole

The Stipendiary Magistrate at the Monrovia City Court has issued a writ of arrest for Representative J. Marvin Cole, following allegations of persistent non-support for his minor daughter, Rebecca Cole.

The case was initiated by Clara Asibu, acting on behalf of her daughter. According to the complaint, 11-year-old Rebecca is the biological daughter of Rep. Cole. Asibu claimed that since her pregnancy and continuing to the present, Rep. Cole has failed to provide any support for both mother and child without justifiable reasons.

Asibu stated that their situation has forced them to live without necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing due to the alleged neglect from Rep. Cole.

The writ instructs Captain Charles Bloyuefloh of the Magistrate Police to arrest Rep. Cole and bring him before the court to response to the charges against him. The complaint alleges violations of Section 16.5 of the New Penal Law of Liberia.

The writ commands: “You are hereby commanded to arrest Marvin Cole, DEFENDANT/S, and forthwith bring him to the Monrovia City Court, Temple of Justice Building, Montserrado County to answer the charge of persistent non-support upon the oath and complaint of the Republic of Liberia by Clara Asibu on behalf of her minor daughter Rebecca Cole.”

It continues: “Clara Asibu, by and through the Republic of Liberia, appears before this Honorable Court and complains that Marvin Cole (defendant) is the biological father of her minor child (Rebecca Cole, age 11). Furthermore, since the inception of the pregnancy up to now, you have failed, refused, and neglected to provide support for them without justifiable reason, leaving them in need of food, shelter, clothing, etc.
This act is criminal, illegal, and unconstitutional.”

The court documents assert that Rep. Cole’s alleged actions are not only illegal but also unconstitutional, highlighting the critical importance of parental responsibility.

In an interview, Rep. Cole expressed that the writ issued against him was a complete surprise. He recounted that Asibu had contacted him in the past to inform him of her pregnancy, but he did not take it seriously at the time.

He jokingly responded, “Have the baby and we will take care of the baby.”

Rep. Cole stated that years later, he received a call from Clara claiming she had a child for him and was in Ghana, mentioning that their daughter wanted to see him. He told her to inform him when she returned to Liberia.

“I have never contested that the child is not mine or refused to support her. Filing a complaint in court for child support is shocking. I have not seen the child since she was born, and Clara has made no effort to bring her to me or find me. I help hundreds of children who are not mine, so why wouldn’t I support my own?” he said.

He emphasized that Asibu’s actions appear politically motivated. “If she truly wanted support for the child, she should have made an effort to connect with me rather than taking this step. Since arriving in Liberia, she has not attempted to reach out.”

Rep. Cole questioned the timing of Asibu’s lawsuit, asking, “You claim you have a child for someone from 2008/2009; is this the time to sue for support without having seen the child?” He reiterated his willingness to address the issue of child support in court, stating, “When I visit the court, why if I am ready to support the child? Why didn’t Clara make any effort before wanting to ruin my reputation?”

Meanwhile, Asibu shared her perspective, asserting that when she realized she was pregnant, she informed Rep. Cole but suggested to terminate the pregnancy. Refusing this suggestion, she decided to take full responsibility for the child.

“Since he made that suggestion, I did not contact him until I reached seven months old. I tried reaching out multiple times, but he did not respond. After giving birth, my parents who are not dead advised me against contacting him because he had abandoned us and refused to acknowledge our calls. They took full responsibility for us,” she explained.

Asibu added that she lacks the financial means to continue caring for their daughter, spending $450 monthly on her schooling. She mentioned that the child cries daily to see her father.

“All I want is for Rep. Cole to take full responsibility for his child,” Asibu concluded.