The mysterious death of Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa, the former Director General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), has once again captured public attention as the Liberia National Police (LNP) announce the summoning of several former government officials for questioning.
This development marks a significant turn in the previous investigation into the deaths of Nyeswa and other auditors, which casted a shadow over Liberia’s auditing profession during the CDC-led Administration.
The LNP has summoned Samuel Tweh, former Finance Minister; Bill T. Twehway, Senator of River Cess County; Wilhelmina Jallah, former Health Minister; and Trokon Williams, to provide information that could be crucial to unraveling the mystery surrounding Nyeswa’s death.
The former IAA boss was found dead at his residence on 72nd Boulevard on October 10, 2020, shortly after returning from D’Calabash, an amusement spot along the Congo Town backroad.
Nyeswa’s death came in the wake of a troubling pattern: within eight days, three other auditors also met untimely deaths.
Albert Peters and Gifty Lama of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) were found dead in a vehicle on October 2, 2020, while George Fahnboto, another LRA auditor, died in a suspicious vehicle crash on October 4, 2020.
These incidents during the Weah Era raised serious concerns about the safety of auditors in Liberia and prompted calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, July 23, LNP emphasized it’s commitment to conducting a comprehensive investigation.
“The LNP is determined to uncover the truth behind Mr. Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa’s death. We have invited several individuals who may have pertinent information to assist with our inquiries. We urge anyone with additional information to come forward to aid our investigation,” the statement read.
The LNP believes it is particularly focused on piecing together Nyeswa’s activities on the night of his death and exploring any connections to the deaths of the other auditors.
The circumstances surrounding these deaths remain murky, and the lack of clear information has only fueled public speculation and concern.
The then government’s initial response to Nyeswa’s death was marked by shock and sorrow. In a press release issued by former Information Minister Ledgerhood Rennie, the government expressed deep sadness over the passing of the IAA head.
Reports indicated that Nyeswa had fallen from the first floor of his home, but details about the exact cause of his death were scarce.
The former government under the stewardship of George Weah assured the public that further details would be disclosed once available but said promise was to no available.
Meanwhile, former Finance Minister Samuel Tweh has welcomed the police investigation, committing to make himself available.
“We welcome police investigation under a new Government to independently re-establish facts in the death of our dear friend and brother Barthan Nyeswa among other deaths that were politically weaponized!” he posted on his official social media page.
He added : “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 Barthan had 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!”, the former Finance Minister indicated via his Facebook page.
The deaths of Peters and Lama added to the growing unease. Their bodies were discovered in Peters’ vehicle, which was parked on Snapper Hill, Monrovia.
The incident shocked the nation and raised questions about the safety and security of auditors. Just days later, Fahnboto’s death further compounded these concerns.
It was told that deceased reportedly sustained a head injury from unknown individuals on a motorbike before his car crash on 72nd Boulevard.
The pattern of these deaths led to widespread calls for justice and transparency.
Many Liberians believe that the deaths of these auditors are not coincidental and that there may be deeper, more sinister forces at play.
The summoning of former high-ranking officials signifies a potential breakthrough in the investigation, as authorities seek to understand the broader context and possible motives behind these tragedies.
The LNP’s renewed efforts to investigate these deaths come amid growing demands for accountability and justice from the public and civil society.
The deaths of Nyeswa, Peters, Lama, and Fahnboto underscored the need for robust protection measures for auditors and other professionals who play critical roles in ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations.
With the investigation coming back to light, the public remains hopeful that the truth will emerge and that those responsible for these deaths will be held accountable.
The case of Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa and his fellow auditors serves as a pattern of the dangers faced by those who work to uphold integrity and transparency in Liberia.
The LNP’s commitment to uncovering the truth is a crucial step towards restoring trust and ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families.
