-MOJ Says Internal Audit Flagged Supply Discrepancies at Prison Facilities; 3 Staff Were Suspended under CSA Rules, Later Reinstated and Reassigned Without Pay Cuts Following LACC Review
MONROVIA — Liberia’s Ministry of Justice has moved to “set the record straight” over the suspension and subsequent reassignment of a Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR) employee, pushing back against what it calls a social media “smear campaign” stemming from an ongoing corruption inquiry.
In a detailed statement Friday, October 24, the ministry said an internal audit of the BCR uncovered discrepancies between quantities of soap and medical supplies paid for by government and what was actually delivered and distributed to prison facilities. The findings prompted disciplinary action and a referral to the Liberia Anti‑Corruption Commission (LACC) for a criminal investigation, according to the ministry.
Citing the Civil Service Agency (CSA) Standing Orders, the ministry said three BCR staff were suspended while the LACC probe proceeded, adding that the decision to keep them off active duty beyond six months was to avoid prejudicing the criminal inquiry. “It was not a mere employee misconduct or other unendorsed accusation; it was a criminal matter,” the ministry said, explaining that it awaited the LACC’s report “to gain informed directions on how to deal with the suspended staff.”
MOJ: Facebook Posts Misled Public
The ministry singled out employee Baléh Yargbo—who it says has posted under the Facebook username “Mai Sen”—for allegedly publishing “derogatory” and “untrue” claims that he had been exonerated by the LACC and that the Justice Minister had a personal conflict related to a private family matter. The ministry said it had received no formal notice from the LACC of any exoneration when those claims were made, and rejected suggestions that the minister had any role in the private dispute.
“The Ministry considers these social media rants a deliberate attempt to engineer public sympathy, discredit the suspension process, and smear the institution and its leadership,” the statement said.
LACC report and staff reassignment The ministry said it received a report from the LACC on Oct. 8 regarding the investigation into the suspended staff and acted on the anti-graft body’s recommendations. The employees, including Mr. Yargbo, were restored to active duty and reassigned to posts “comparable to their pre‑suspension job classifications,” without salary reductions, the ministry stated, citing Section 5.4.9 of the CSA Standing Orders that permits reassignment or transfer.
Responding to Mr. Yargbo’s claim that he was “demoted” and sent to the Gbarnga Regional Hub as an Outreach Coordinator, the ministry said the placement is consistent with his pay grade and administrative rules. “The public must not be misled that Mr. Yargbo is not in good standing,” it added.
Procurement oversight and due process
The ministry emphasized that procurement, delivery, and distribution of prison supplies fall under the BCR’s administrative chain and that actions taken—suspensions, investigation, and subsequent reassignment—followed a “scrupulous best‑practice administrative procedure” led by the Department of Administration, not by the minister personally. It said other staff linked to the supply discrepancies were similarly suspended and reviewed.
While the statement outlines a chronology of the audit, suspension, and LACC engagement, it did not disclose the full contents of the LACC report. The ministry said its decisions were guided by the CSA Standing Orders and aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the investigation and the Ministry’s operations.
What’s next
The Justice Ministry said it considers the social media allegations “reckless, disrespectful, and a deliberate attempt to injure reputations,” but indicated the administrative phase has moved forward with staff reassignments in line with the LACC guidance. It urged the public to rely on official communications as the government continues implementing internal control measures at the BCR.
The press release was signed by Jutonue Kollie, Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Justice. Efforts to obtain independent comments from Mr. Yargbo were not immediately successful.
