AREPT Indictment Explained: Former and Current Government Officials Indicted Over Alleged Theft of Saudi Arabia’s Donated Rice
Monrovia, Liberia – June 26, 2025
The Government of Liberia, through the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, has secured a major indictment against several former and current government officials and employees. This action follows a detailed investigation into the illegal handling and diversion of 29,412 bags of rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in April 2023. The rice was intended to support disaster victims and vulnerable communities across Liberia.
Indicted Individuals Include:
Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mary Broh – Former Director General, General Services Agency (GSA)
Varney A. Sirleaf – Former Minister of Internal Affairs
Thelma Sawyer – Former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs/Administration
Henry O. Williams – Former Executive Director, National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA)
Augustine Tamba – Deputy Director for Operations, NDMA
Augustine M. Kollie – Director for Disaster Victims, NDMA
Edward S. Konneh – Employee, NDMA
Archievego M. Doe – Communications Director, NDMA
Edris Bility – Former Deputy Director for Operations, GSA
Mamie Davies – Assistant Director, GSA
Momolu Johnson – Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs/Administration
Rosetta L. Gbassay Bowah – Logistics Officer, NDMA
Wayfa Ciapha – Purported CEO, Group of 77
Evelyn Gbee – Warehouse Manager, GSA
Our investigation revealed that 25,054 bags of rice, valued at approximately USD $425,918, were unlawfully diverted by the accused. Instead of reaching the intended disaster victims, the rice was stolen through secret and unauthorized meetings, usurpation of NDMA’s statutory authority and removal and distribution of rice without documentation or legal process.
Some suspects have admitted to their roles, confirming a coordinated internal conspiracy and severe abuse of public trust.
Crimes Charged Include:
Theft of Property
Economic Sabotage
Misapplication of Entrusted Property
Abuse of Office
Criminal Conspiracy
These crimes for which they were indicted under Liberian law constitute a grave breach of public trust and accountability.
This scandal has inflicted significant damage:
Disaster victims were denied critical food assistance, Saudi Arabia’s generous donation was misused, international trust was undermined, and public confidence in government institutions was further weakened.
This indictment is the first of three investigations completed out of 30 active cases currently under investigation by AREPT. Additional indictments are expected in July. In line with legal procedures, the Government has also issued a ne exeat republica (travel restriction) to ensure that none of the accused flee the country during prosecution.
Under the leadership of Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, AREPT reaffirms its commitment to investigating, recovering, and prosecuting all instances of public asset theft. This indictment sends a clear message that corruption will not go unpunished. The Taskforce remains fully engaged with national and international partners to restore public trust and ensure that public resources serve the Liberian people.
Signed:
Joseph Daniels
Head, Public Relations Department
Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT)
+231888414124
