PHOTO: Madam Makenneh L. Keita
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
Monrovia-After months of probe, the Liberia National Police (LNP) says its investigation has vindicated the Coordinator of the Special Presidential Project, Makenneh L. Keita from allegations that she solicited US$5 million bribe from a South African company last year.
The South African company named in the accusation is Imperial Investment Limited and Madam Keita is alleged to have solicited the money in August 2021.
Police Spokesman, Moses Carter disclosed the outcome of the investigation at a news conference held in the LNP headquarters on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
According to Mr. Carter, the police commenced a “full-scale” investigation in September of 2021 into allegations of bribery involving the head of the Special Presidential Project, Madam Keita who was alleged to have been involved with soliciting the millions of US dollars from the South African company.
The Special Presidential Project head was alleged to have invited the South African company without the knowledge of her bosses at the Executive Mansion.
Predicated upon the investigation and coupled with allegation of soliciting bribe, the Police Spokesman said a full scale investigation was set up by police investigators to establish the facts.
According to him, persons of interest were spoken to including Lawrence J. Saydee, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenneh Group of Companies International and Amos Diggs business Manager of the Special Presidential Project at the Executive Mansion.
Police spokesperson Carter said based upon the investigation conducted and face-to-face interviews with persons of interest, the investigation unearthed that Makenneh Keita was not linked to any solicitation of bribe as it was earlier alleged.
But Special Presidential Project Business Manager linked so soliciting bribe
However, the police investigation linked two suspects, one of them from the Special Presidential Project to soliciting bribe. The individuals are Lawrence Saydee, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenneh Group of Companies International and Amos Diggs, business manager of the Special Presidential Project.
Although the police investigation didn’t establish any probable cause linking Madam Keita to the alleged crime of solicitation of bride, the investigation recommended for administrative action to be taken against her for acting outside her line of duty by inviting or going into arrangements with a South African company without the knowledge of her bosses.
Two others, Christian Herbert and Mamadee Keita and Dolleh Karto were also exonerated by the investigation from the allegation.
Police investigators who handled the Special Presidential Project probe are Rafell Wilson and Alex Neray from the Crime Services Division.
Meanwhile, the police investigators have therefore resolved to charge Lawrence Sayee and Amos Diggs with the crime of Criminal attempt to commit theft of property, bribery, criminal solicitation and conspiracy. These acts are in violation of Chapter 12 section 12.50, 10.3 and 10.4 of the revised penal code of the Republic of Liberia for allegedly soliciting bribe.
The Police say the two suspects are expected to be forwarded to court.
In another development, police in Monrovia have charged several suspects for both mob violence and gang rape in separate locations on 12th Street and in Vai town.
Other suspects have also been arrested in Rivercess County for allegedly killing a man who was alleged to have taken narcotics drugs valued at 158 thousand Liberian.
Suspect Ndubuisi Ernest Ogbueshi and others are facing police investigation in Rivercess County for the alleged killing.