Cllr. Tiawan S. Gongloe, Assistant Professor of Law at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, has called on Liberia’s Minister of Justice to expand the scope of investigations into unexplained deaths, including the mysterious deaths of Harry Greaves Jr. and Michael Alison. His appeal follows President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s recent directive for a thorough investigation into certain unexplained deaths in the country.
In a strongly-worded commentary, Gongloe praised Boakai’s call for an investigation but questioned the omission of several high-profile cases. He argued that a selective approach to such inquiries could undermine public trust and create perceptions of political bias. According to him, any credible investigation must be comprehensive and impartial.
Gongloe specifically highlighted the deaths of former Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Managing Director Harry Greaves Jr., whose body was found on a Monrovia beach under mysterious circumstances in 2016, and whistleblower Michael Alison, who reportedly died under suspicious conditions while exposing corruption. He also referenced the 2021 case of Executive Protection Service (EPS) officer Melvin Earley, who allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself three times in Tappita, Nimba County, and the 2024 death of Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) soldier Sgt. Bobby Manndeh, who allegedly shot himself six times while on duty at the Edward Beyan Kesselly Barracks.
“An honest search for the truth cannot be selective,” Gongloe asserted, warning that ignoring these cases could lead to public suspicion that the Boakai administration is more concerned with political theatrics than genuine justice. He emphasized that the Liberian people deserve answers regarding all suspicious deaths, regardless of which administration was in power at the time.
Gongloe further argued that Liberia stands at a critical juncture where citizens demand transparency, accountability, and leadership that prioritizes the protection of human life. He insisted that by including these unresolved cases, the government would demonstrate a sincere commitment to the rule of law and begin restoring public confidence in the justice system.
“If our leaders are serious about preventing a recurrence of such tragedies, they must confront past wrongs and demonstrate that the rule of law is greater than any party or administration,” Gongloe stated.
