MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has charged and forwarded to court eight individuals, including seven teachers and a student, for their alleged involvement in a bribery and examination malpractice scheme during the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The suspects face charges of Bribery, Unlawful Rewarding of Public Servants, and Criminal Conspiracy following an investigation into allegations that money was collected from candidates during a mathematics examination session at Global Net Preparatory School in the FDA Community.
According to police investigators, the group allegedly collected L$300 from each candidate, generating more than L$58,000 in what authorities believe was an organized effort to influence the administration of the examination.
Those charged include:
- Emily T. Flomo, Teacher, S & Y Faith Academy
- Albertha B. Saydee, Teacher, Sacom Faith Foundation
- Elton Akoi Chelley, Sr., Teacher, New Testament Baptist School System
- Arthur Karnquee, Teacher, Head Start Preparatory School
- Deiker L. Paye, Teacher, Cathedral Catholic School
- Balima M. Subah, Teacher, Confidence School System
- Anthony Y. Whykolo, Teacher, Len Millar Salvation Army School
- A student whose identity has been withheld due to legal and ethical considerations.
Police said the case has been formally transferred to the Monrovia City Court for prosecution. Investigators disclosed that while some of the accused reportedly admitted involvement during questioning, others denied the allegations.
Renewed Scrutiny on WASSCE Integrity
The arrests come amid heightened efforts by education authorities and security agencies to safeguard the credibility of the 2026 WASSCE examinations, which have already been marred by several controversies relating to alleged examination malpractice.
Just days ago, tensions erupted at the examination center of the Muslim Congress High School after a dispute involving a WAEC supervisor and a police officer assigned to provide security during the examinations.
The incident drew national attention after allegations surfaced that students were being assisted during the examination. A heated confrontation followed, with both sides offering conflicting accounts of what transpired. The controversy reignited public concerns over the integrity of the examination process and the role of supervisors and security personnel at testing centers.
The latest arrests suggest that authorities are taking a more aggressive approach to combating examination fraud and related offenses.
Authorities Warn Against Exam Fraud
Education stakeholders have repeatedly warned that examination malpractice undermines academic standards, devalues certificates, and compromises the future of students who work hard to earn legitimate results.
Officials have also expressed concern over reports of unauthorized fees and extortion schemes targeting WASSCE candidates at various examination centers. Recent reports indicate that education authorities have received complaints about supervisors and individuals allegedly soliciting money from students in exchange for favors during examinations.
The Liberia National Police has not yet disclosed whether additional arrests are expected, but investigators indicated that the probe remains active.
Growing Call for Accountability
The case is expected to attract significant public attention as Liberia continues efforts to restore confidence in its educational system.
Parents, students, and civil society groups have long called for stricter enforcement of examination regulations, arguing that widespread malpractice damages the credibility of the country’s educational credentials and disadvantages honest candidates.
If convicted, the accused could face penalties under Liberia’s criminal laws governing corruption-related offenses and conspiracy.
As the court process begins, education authorities and law enforcement agencies say they remain committed to ensuring that the 2026 WASSCE is conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with established examination standards.
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