Sierra Leonean lawyer Yada Williams has won a landmark defamation lawsuit against Mohamed Kutubu Koroma, a Maryland-based individual accused of running a years-long online smear campaign.

The District Court of Maryland, presiding over Case No. DC-05-CV-25-018282, found Koroma liable for libel after he publicly referred to Williams as a “failed and mediocre lawyer,” “broke,” and a “scammer.” The court ruled that the statements were false, malicious, and defamatory in nature.

As part of the judgment, Williams was awarded $20,056 in damages.

The case has drawn widespread attention for its cross-border implications, affirming that defamatory content posted online—even from abroad—can attract legal consequences in U.S. courts. Legal commentators say the ruling serves as a warning about the reach of defamation laws in the digital age.

The outcome is being hailed as a significant victory for online accountability and professional reputation.