But Public Pressure Alone Cannot Be Substituted For Evidence

PHOTO: The Author

By Patrick M. Yattoh

The ongoing investigation into the reported $336 million drug case, involving international partners, is too serious to be reduced to political speculation, public emotion, or competing propaganda narratives. It must be handled with evidence, due process, professional discipline, and respect for the integrity of Liberia’s justice and security institutions.

From a criminal-investigative and security-strategy perspective, calls for Inspector General Gregory Coleman to step aside simply because questions have been raised about his role do not, by themselves, establish culpability. Recusal can be justified where credible evidence demonstrates a conflict of interest, personal involvement, obstruction, or circumstances that could compromise investigative independence. But public pressure alone cannot be substituted for evidence.

At the same time, the absence of publicly disclosed evidence against the IG should not be interpreted as proof of innocence or immunity from scrutiny. Every public official must remain subject to lawful investigation and accountability, regardless of rank or position. The appropriate standard, however, must be evidence—not assumption.

There is also a broader strategic concern. Prematurely portraying the investigation as corrupt, compromised, or politically weaponized could potentially provide defense lawyers with grounds to challenge the credibility of the investigation and raise questions concerning investigative procedures, evidentiary integrity, chain of custody, and the reliability of government witnesses or institutions. Ultimately, those issues would be determined by the courts under applicable law and based on admissible evidence.

The central question should therefore be straightforward: Is there credible, verifiable evidence linking the IG to wrongdoing, a conflict of interest, obstruction, or compromised official conduct?

If such evidence exists, it should be presented through the appropriate investigative and judicial processes. If it does not, removing or publicly condemning an official merely because of political pressure risks establishing a dangerous precedent.

Liberia needs an investigation that is independent, professional, transparent, and capable of surviving courtroom scrutiny.

Accountability must be evidence-driven—not dictated by political narratives, public pressure, or counter-narratives designed to undermine confidence in the institutions responsible for protecting the state and prosecuting serious transnational crime.

Until credible evidence establishes otherwise, the investigation should be allowed to proceed without prejudging the guilt or innocence of any individual.