-LNP summons Tweah, Twehway, and others for questioning
By Jerromie S. Walters
Ex-officials of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government, including Samuel Tweh, former Finance Minister; Bill T. Twehway, Senator of River Cess County; Wilhelmina Jallah, former Health Minister; and Mr. TrokonWilliams, have been summoned by the Liberia National Police (LNP) for questioning into the mysterious death of Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa, the former Director General of the Internal Audit Agency.
The ex-officials summoned are being asked to provide any relevant information that may assist in the ongoing investigation into Nyeswa’s death. Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa was found dead at his residence on 72nd Boulevard on October 10, 2020, following the deaths of three other auditors in Monrovia within a span of eight days. The circumstances surrounding these deaths remain unclear, prompting the LNP to delve deeper into the matter.
Nyeswa’s death has been particularly mysterious, as initial reports suggest that he had been at an amusement spot before returning home in the early hours of the day he died. The police are focusing on gathering more details about Nyeswa’s activities on the night of his death and any potential connectionsto the other auditor’s deaths. In a statement, the LNP emphasized their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and urged anyone with additional information to come forward.
Ex Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. reacts to LNP invite
“We welcome police investigation under a new Government to independently re-establish facts in the death of our dear friend and brother BarthanNyeswa among other deaths that were politically weaponized!
On last Friday, I received a call from my brother Cllr Norris Tweah who informed me that the police was interested in speaking with persons who were either friends with Barthan, who may have been observed with him on the evening prior to his tragic incident, seen at his house or who may have visited the JFK Memorial hospital where he had been taken. Norris stated he had already spoken with the police and encouraged me to do the same.
On the morning of the incident upon receiving a call from my brother Norris, reporting the incident, I had called Dr. Williameetta Jallah, the Government’s chief medical official and Mr Bill Twehway, another close friend of Barthan to report the incident and that we were all headed at the JFK where Barthanhad been taken by Norris.
Upon speaking to the police, I will release publicly the information I avail. I welcome this moment of authentic truth- telling and fact-finding so that the demons of lies, duplicity and propaganda that have long harried our people over the last six years for political purposes can hopefully and finally be exorcised and laid to rest! Thanks for your understanding! Samuel D. Tweah, Jr.”
In what came as a strive to address the lingering questions surrounding unresolved cases of mysterious deaths in Liberia, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman early March 2024, announced an investigation launched by the LNP. It was said that the investigation would capture the Odell Sherman, and Princess Cooper cases, the puzzling deaths of auditors, and more. “I’m pleased to announce to the public that the LNP has set up a whole Case e-file unit. And we’re opening all of those investigations that are still pending to be able to give some closure to the family and to give them justice as the soon required,” Coleman told journalists during a press conference.
Over the last six years, Liberians witnessed the mysterious deaths of John Hilary Tubman, son of former President Tubman; Rev. William R. Tolbert III, son of former President Tolbert, Matthew Innis of the Central Bank, Kollie Ballah, driver at Central Bank, Maude Elliot of the Immigration Service, Emmanuel Barten Nyesuah head of the Internal Audit Agency, Gifty Asmah Lama auditor of the LRA, Albert Peters auditor of the LRA, George Fanbutu auditor of the LRA and Alexander Yeahnur in River Gee.
Among others are: Eliza Robert in Maryland, Madam Hawa in Cape Mount, Mulbah Kunyon in Cape Mount, Afoa Williams D#9 Montserrado; county, Ma Nowai in Johnsonville, Siafa, St. Moses employees, Robert Blamo Jr St. Moses employee, Blama of the St. Moses employee, Odell Sherman, Princess Cooper of Island Clinic, Charloe Musu, niece of Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott, Sabah Harmon, and Melvin Earley, EPS officer who was killed in Tappita.
The public has long been intrigued by these cases from the previous administration, raising concerns about justice and closure for the families of the victims. With new leadership at the LNP, Inspector General Coleman has seen the need to revisit the different cases to provide answers and ensure justice is served. As the LNP proceeds with these cases, Coleman pleaded with the public for collaboration. “Individuals with information on cases believed to have been inadequately investigated are urged to come forward.”
Mysterious deaths and Weah’s silence
Throughout the six years of ex-president George Weah, tens of protests were simultaneously held in Liberia, especially following the occurrence of a mysterious death or some kind of unimaginable violence. Many Liberians criticized Weah’sgovernment for this as they believed much was not done to address the situation. Though most of the deaths were probed, there was still dissatisfaction as some believed that the investigations weren’t impartial.
Following former president George Weah’s 6th State of the National address in January 2023, the Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (LICHRD) expressed dismay over what they termed Weah’sfailure to adequately address the surmounting challenges of insecurity about alleged secret killings and disappearances of locals in the country in his sixth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In a release dated February 3, 2023, the Coalition referenced the two-year-old boy who was allegedly murdered by his uncle in Bomi County and also the man who went missing while seeking spiritual healing in Grand Bassa County, as well as the three missing boys who were allegedly contracted by St. Moses. Howbeit, the Liberia National Police (LNP), under Coleman’s watch, has reassured the public that they are determined to uncover the truth behind these tragic incidents and bring justice to the families affected.
