A retired United States Marine has filed a civil lawsuit against Presidential Advisor Madam Macdella Cooper, accusing her of interfering in her marriage to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon.
Madam Cecelia K. Kpor, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Liberia, is seeking US$3.5 million in damages for what she describes as deliberate and unlawful intrusion into her marital relationship. The case was lodged on December 30 at the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court and is currently before Resident Circuit Judge J. Kennedy Peabody.
According to court filings, Madam Kpor asserts that she remains legally married to Speaker Koon. The couple wed in July 2015 in Wilmington, Delaware, United States. While divorce proceedings are ongoing, the lawsuit emphasizes that no final decree has been issued, meaning the marriage is still valid under law.
The complaint alleges that Madam Cooper knowingly entered into the marriage by publicly presenting herself as Speaker Koon’s wife. Evidence cited includes social media posts, recordings, and public appearances in which Cooper allegedly portrayed herself as married to the Speaker.
Madam Kpor contends that Cooper’s actions were intentional, aimed at damaging her marriage, humiliating her publicly, and interfering with her relationship with her husband. The filing argues that such conduct violates Liberia’s Domestic Relations Law, which protects lawful marriages from outside interference.
The plaintiff claims she has suffered severe emotional and psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and public embarrassment. She further alleges reputational damage and social humiliation, stating that the ordeal has required medical and therapeutic intervention.
In addition to the US$3.5 million in general damages, Madam Kpor is requesting special and punitive damages to cover medical expenses and therapy costs. The lawsuit was filed through Kailondo & Associates Law Firm, with attorney Sylvester G. Lormie Jr. representing the plaintiff.
The case has drawn public attention not only because of the high-profile individuals involved but also due to its potential implications for Liberia’s legal framework on marriage and domestic relations. Legal analysts note that while marital disputes are typically resolved through divorce proceedings, claims of third-party interference raise complex questions about accountability and damages under civil law.
Observers say the lawsuit could set a precedent in Liberia, where public figures are increasingly scrutinized for their private relationships and the impact such matters may have on governance and public trust.
The court is expected to review the evidence and determine whether Madam Cooper’s alleged conduct constitutes unlawful interference under Liberian law. No official response has yet been issued by the defendant or her legal team.
As proceedings unfold, the case underscores the intersection of personal relationships, public office, and legal accountability—an issue likely to resonate beyond the courtroom.
