After a thorough investigation by Verity News that led to the exposé of multiple allegations of significant corruption at the National Oil Company of Liberia, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) summoned Madam Rustonlyn Suacoco Dennis, Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), for questioning over allegations of financial impropriety and corruption.
The invitation issued on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, by LACC Executive Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra Kromah Zoe, seeks Dennis’s response to accusations that she mismanaged public funds, approved inflated contracts, and misused company resources for personal and political gains.
“The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) informs you that it has initiated an investigation into allegations of financial improprieties and acts of corruption allegedly carried out by the administration of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) under your leadership as the President/CEO between the period July to December 2024.” Cllr. Alexandra Kormah Zoe, Executive Chairperson, LACC.
The LACC’s letter outlines multiple allegations against Dennis, including claims that she approved the purchase of a 2024 MG Rx8 SUV from Cactus Motors for US$75,000 despite the vehicle’s actual market price being around US$45,000. The Commission alleges that Dennis conspired with the dealership to divert the additional US$30,000 in kickbacks, using it to obtain another vehicle registered under her private company, Tanti Group of Companies.
Additionally, the LACC is investigating Dennis’s approval of a controversial US$585,000 consultancy contract with West Africa Geo-Services (WAGS). Reports indicate that US$300,000 was already disbursed in violation of Liberia’s Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) Act and the Public Financial Management (PFM) Law 2009. Investigators believe the contract was awarded without the necessary legal approvals from the Ministry of Justice and Finance, raising further concerns of financial misconduct.
The allegations against Dennis also extend to her reported misuse of NOCAL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. According to sources, she diverted significant amounts intended for community development projects to reward her political supporters in Montserrado County’s District #4, where she previously served as a representative. Critics argue that the funds were used for political patronage rather than to benefit the communities NOCAL serves.
The scandal has drawn sharp criticism from social justice advocate Martin K. N. Kollie, who has been vocal about what he describes as a troubling culture of corruption under the administration of President Joseph Boakai. Kollie argues that Dennis’s appointment as NOCAL CEO, despite her electoral defeat in 2023 and lack of experience in the oil and gas sector, reflects a lack of commitment to accountability within the government.
Kollie further accused Dennis of disregarding established financial regulations by authorizing the vehicle purchase and consultancy contract without transparency. He contended that these actions demonstrate a pattern of corruption that has persisted across state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Liberia, exacerbating economic hardship for ordinary citizens.
In response to the growing public outcry, LACC has instructed Dennis to appear at its headquarters on Thursday, February 6, 2025, for questioning. She has been advised to bring legal representation and all relevant documents to support her testimony. The anti-corruption body emphasized that the investigation is part of its broader effort to tackle graft and restore public trust in government institutions.
Dennis has responded to allegations linking her to a questionable vehicle purchase amounting to $75,000, asserting that the claims are misleading.
In a statement on her official Facebook page on February 3, 2025, Dennis refuted suggestions that her official vehicle cost $75,000. She emphasized that as head of NOCAL, her position requires confidentiality and trust, necessitating a separate official vehicle for herself, apart from those used by her drivers, security personnel, and staff. However, critics argue that past corruption cases involving high-profile officials have often led to no meaningful action, fueling skepticism about whether the LACC will pursue the case to its full conclusion.
