-Vows to Investigate and Prosecute Perpetrators in Auditors’ Deaths and Other Cases
By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for all Liberians, vowing to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those linked to the mysterious deaths of former auditors and other unresolved cases. Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh made the pledge following a directive from President Joseph N. Boakai during the first cabinet meeting of 2025 on Monday, March 3.
President Boakai ordered the Ministry of Justice to conduct a full-scale investigation into several high-profile cases, including the deaths of public-sector auditors, the disappearance of three boys in Bong County, and other unresolved incidents of national concern. The President emphasized that the Liberian people deserve answers and that his administration will not tolerate impunity.
“The Liberian people deserve justice, and no case will be ignored,” President Boakai declared. “We will bring closure to these tragedies and ensure that justice is served. Law enforcement agencies must expedite their investigations, collaborate with international partners if necessary, and provide regular updates to the public.”
In response to the President’s directive, Justice Minister Cllr. Tweh assured the cabinet and the public of the Ministry’s dedication to impartiality and transparency. “The Ministry of Justice reaffirms its strong commitment to ensuring justice for all Liberians,” Cllr. Tweh stated. “We will remain impartial in the execution of our duties, guaranteeing that every citizen, regardless of status, has equal access to justice.”
Unresolved Cases Under Scrutiny
Among the cases under investigation is the tragic incident involving three boys—Robert M. Blamo, Jr., 29; Siafa Gbana Boimah, 34; and Bobby S. Gbeanquoi, 32—who reportedly drowned in a river in Fuama District, Lower Bong County, on October 17, 2020. The boys were said to have been returning home after completing work for Mr. Moses Ahossoule, owner of St. Moses Funeral Home, and Mr. Abraham G. Samuel. Their canoe capsized, leading to their deaths.
An Independent Investigative Panel, comprising representatives from the Liberia National Police (LNP), various security agencies, the Association of Female Lawyers (AFELL), the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), and the Inter-religious Council, was established to probe the incident. However, the case remains unresolved, leaving families and communities demanding answers.
The Ministry of Justice will also revisit the suspicious deaths of four public-sector internal auditors in 2022, which sent shockwaves through Liberia’s auditing community and raised concerns about the safety of professionals investigating government accounts. The deaths occurred over eight days, from October 3 to 10, and involved: Emmanuel Barten Nyeswua, Director General of the Liberia Internal Audit Agency, who reportedly died from a fall at his residence, Albert Peters, Gifty Lama, and George F. Fanbutu, all employees of the Liberia Revenue Authority, who died in suspicious car accidents.
At the time of their deaths, the auditors were reportedly conducting investigations into allegations of misappropriation of government funds. Their untimely deaths sparked calls for greater scrutiny and transparency, but no conclusive findings have been made public to date.
Justice Minister Cllr. Tweh emphasized that the Ministry of Justice will leave no stone unturned in its investigations. “We are committed to full transparency and accountability,” he said. “These cases are not just about individual tragedies; they are about restoring public trust in our justice system and ensuring that no one is above the law.”
The Ministry’s renewed focus on these cases aligns with President Boakai’s broader agenda to combat corruption, strengthen the rule of law, and uphold human rights. The President has vowed to prioritize justice and accountability as cornerstones of his administration.
The Ministry of Justice has pledged to collaborate with international partners, if necessary, to ensure thorough and credible investigations. Regular updates will be provided to the public to maintain transparency and keep citizens informed of progress.
