A major corruption scandal at the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) has taken a new turn as Comptroller Richmond Emmanuel Jallah reportedly plans to flee to the United States. Jallah, who is under investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) for his alleged role in a US$585,000 financial scandal, has been accused of conspiring with suspended NOCAL CEO Rustonlyn Suacoco Dennis to siphon public funds through fraudulent transactions.
Jallah allegedly signed several questionable checks, including payments for dubious vehicle purchases and unjustified corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds. Despite being a subject of investigation, he has managed to secure a police clearance from the Liberia National Police (LNP), which falsely certifies that he has no criminal record. This clearance is suspected to be part of a calculated attempt to relocate to the United States before the LACC releases its findings, which could indict him for financial mismanagement and corruption.
A source confirmed that the Board of NOCAL did not approve the US$75,000 vehicle purchase or the US$585,000 so-called “consultancy” payment, placing Madam Dennis at the center of the scandal. She reportedly authorized the payment of US$75,000 to a “firm” that claimed NOCAL owed them since 2016. These unauthorized transactions raise further concerns about systematic corruption within the entity, with Jallah playing a key role in facilitating the disbursements.
His passport, bearing number PP0192184, is believed to be his ticket to escaping accountability. Civil society organizations have sounded the alarm, calling on the LACC to petition the court for a Writ of Ne Exeat to prevent Jallah and other implicated officials from leaving the country before the investigation is concluded. The demand for urgent legal action comes amid concerns that state officials accused of corruption increasingly use bureaucratic loopholes to evade justice.
The scandal at NOCAL has once again exposed deep-seated corruption within Liberia’s public institutions. While Jallah seeks to flee, his superior, Madam Dennis, remains under investigation at the LACC. Public outrage is growing over the continued mismanagement of national resources, with many calling for stricter enforcement of anti-corruption measures to prevent officials from escaping justice.
The U.S. Embassy near Monrovia has been urged to take note of Jallah’s attempts to seek refuge abroad despite being under investigation for corruption. Activists and civil society groups are mobilizing to ensure that international partners are aware of the case and do not facilitate his escape. The suffering in Liberia is largely driven by corruption, and the fight against financial crimes must remain a priority.
