-Football Legend Angrily Rejects Claims Linking Him to Liberia’s US$19.2 million Cocaine Investigation, Warns Social Media Commentator against What He Calls Reckless and Defamatory Accusations
MONROVIA, Liberia – Former Liberia national football team captain James Salinsa Debbah has broken his silence in an emotional and strongly worded video, angrily rejecting what he described as reckless attempts to associate him with the country’s ongoing US$19.2 million cocaine investigation and warning a social media commentator that if she repeats the allegations, “I’ll go Prophet Key on you.”
The former football icon, widely regarded as Liberia’s greatest footballer after former World, African and European Footballer of the Year George Weah, said he felt compelled to speak after receiving a video early Wednesday morning in which a social media personality allegedly insinuated that he could be connected to the high-profile narcotics investigation.
“I don’t randomly do videos,” Debbah began.
“When I do a video, it means it is mandatory. I had to do this video.”
According to Debbah, the video was forwarded to him at approximately 5:20 a.m. by his childhood friend, David Jackley, with whom he grew up in Fiamah, Sinkor, before both played football together for A-meh-weh (a Bassa language word meaning “We are going to die before you can beat us”) and later Mighty Barrolle.
“My Credibility Is Intact”
Debbah said the online commentator, whom he identified as Nelly (Nelly K. H. Roberts-blog), popularly known as the “Cheycheypoly Oldma,” claimed she was quoting anti-corruption campaigner Martin K. N. Kollie while discussing the country’s ongoing cocaine investigation.
According to Debbah, the commentator went beyond Kollie’s comments by suggesting that his name had surfaced in connection with the investigation and even implied that his physical appearance indicated possible involvement.
The football legend categorically rejected those assertions.
“The Martin Kollie that you said you are quoting… Martin Kollie never said James Salinsa Debbah is a suspect,” he said.
He criticized what he described as irresponsible speculation, arguing that knowing individuals who later become subjects of investigations does not automatically make someone a suspect.
“If you live in a community or a locality with an individual that is a killer, does that make you a suspect?” Debbah asked.
“Do you know how many people I know in this country? Do you know how many people know me in this country? My fan base alone cuts across every demographic.”
Growing increasingly emotional, Debbah defended the reputation he says he has spent decades building.
“My credibility is intact,” he declared. “It’s up there. I have never gotten involved in any malfeasance in this country.”
“I Have Never Been Involved with Drugs”
The former Lone Star captain insisted that throughout his football career and life after retirement, he has maintained a disciplined lifestyle.
“I have never gotten into anything that is drugs-related. Never,” he stressed.
To emphasize his point, Debbah recalled what he described as the only occasion in his life that he consumed alcohol.
According to him, it happened in Accra, Ghana, after Liberia’s memorable 3-1 victory over the Black Stars during the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
He said then Liberia Football Association President Edwin Snowe offered him an alcoholic drink in celebration after the match.
“I took a few sips and that was it,” Debbah recalled. “That’s the only time I drank liquor in my life.”
“I’ll Go ‘Prophet Key’ on You”
One of the most striking moments of Debbah’s response came when he warned the commentator against making similar allegations in the future.
Referring to Prophet Key, the controversial Liberian social media commentator known for his fiery broadcasts and frequent use of profane language, Debbah warned that his patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
“The next time you implicate me in any kind of nonsense,” he cautioned, “I’ll go Prophet Key on you. I’ll be in Prophet Key mood.”
Although the remark drew attention because of its humorous undertone, Debbah quickly clarified that he preferred respectful engagement and had deliberately restrained himself because the woman involved was old enough to be respected.
“You are somebody’s mom and grandma,” he said. “That’s why I will not use profanity on you.”
Who Is Prophet Key?
Prophet Key, whose real name is Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, is one of Liberia’s most controversial online commentators.
He rose to prominence through outspoken political commentary, often delivered in blunt and confrontational language that has generated both a large following and widespread criticism.
Earlier this year, Prophet Key made national headlines after the Supreme Court of Liberia found him guilty of criminal contempt and sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment for repeatedly directing abusive and insulting language at members of the judiciary.
The case sparked national debate over the limits of free speech, responsible use of social media, and respect for public institutions.
Against that backdrop, Debbah’s reference to “going Prophet Key” was widely understood as a tongue-in-cheek warning that he would abandon his normally measured tone if what he considers defamatory attacks continued.
One of Liberia’s Greatest Football Icons
James Salinsa Debbah remains one of Liberia’s most celebrated footballers.
A former captain of the Lone Star, Debbah enjoyed an accomplished international career that saw him play professionally in France, Greece, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries.
Known for his pace, creativity, and clinical finishing, he became one of Africa’s most respected forwards during the 1990s and early 2000s and played a key role in Liberia’s memorable 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Following his retirement, Debbah has remained actively involved in Liberian football and has occasionally spoken publicly on national issues.
Drug Investigation Remains in Spotlight
Debbah’s comments come as public attention remains focused on the government’s investigation into the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at an estimated US$19.2 million, at Roberts International Airport on June 8.
The investigation has since expanded significantly, leading to multiple arrests, the designation of several persons of interest, the suspension of public officials, and administrative actions against airport employees as the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force works to dismantle what authorities describe as a sophisticated drug trafficking network.
Against that backdrop, Debbah urged Liberians to exercise caution before making allegations capable of destroying the reputations of innocent people.
“I have built my character over the years,” he said.
“I respect myself. People should be very careful how they talk about others.”
For one of Liberia’s most respected sporting figures, the message was unmistakable: criticism may come with public life, but unfounded allegations touching on criminal conduct are a line he is unwilling to allow anyone to cross.
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