— Over Alleged Interference in Marriage
By Melvin Jackson
Monrovia– A Liberian woman, Madam Cecelia Koon, has filed a lawsuit against Madam MacDella Cooper, the Political Advisor to President Joseph Boakai, accusing her of unlawfully interfering in her marriage.
Madam Koon is seeking US$3.5 million in general damages for emotional and psychological trauma.
The lawsuit, filed through the Kailondo & Associates Law Firm, alleges that Cooper intentionally disrupted the plaintiff’s marital relationship.
Brought under Liberia’s Domestic Relations Law—specifically Chapter 13, Subsections 13.1 to 13.3—the complaint claims the defendant is liable for emotional distress, anxiety, public humiliation, and loss of affection and comfort.
The plaintiff further alleges reputational damage and psychological trauma severe enough to require medical attention.
In addition to general damages, the plaintiff is requesting:• Special/Punitive Damages to be determined at trial• A permanent injunction preventing Mr. Koon from contacting her or claiming to be married to her• A court order compelling the retraction of all alleged false claims of marriage.
The legal team, led by Attorney Sylvester G. Lormie, Jr., argues that while the defendant’s alleged conduct may not constitute a crime, it is “morally reprehensible but legally actionable.”
The case is expected to test the application of Liberia’s laws on marital interference and could set a precedent for civil claims involving personal relationships.
