Seven charged for rice theft at NPA

Under new management, the National Port Authority has vowed to take every step to implement President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s ARREST Agenda.

Monrovia, Liberia, 12 March 2024: The National Port Authorities (NPA) said Monday, 11 March 2024, that seven of its employees had been charged for collusion and facilitation of the unauthorized exit from the port of three trucks loaded with rice.

The trucks allegedly exited the Freeport of Monrovia through the Bravo gate at about 3:22 A.M. on March 6, 2024.

At a jam-packed news conference held at its national headquarters on Bushrod Island, the NPA said it is leaving no stone unturned in implementing President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s ARREST Agenda.

NPA Corporate Communication Manager Malcolm W. Scott named the suspects charged as Robert Yeah, Shift Commander, Charles Weah, Deputy Commander, and Ezekiel Kollie, Duty Officer.

Other suspects charged are Zwannah Haines, Duty Officer; George Boakai, Gate Commander; Michael Johnson, Gate Drop Officer; and Abraham Z. Tulue, Recording Officer.

Mr. Scott explained that on 6 March 2024, the investigation section of the NPA launched an investigation into an alleged theft involving the illicit departure of three trucks loaded with rice from the Monrovia Port.

Scott detailed that the incident occurred through the NPA exit gate Bravo at about 3:22 A.M., and all those involved were apprehended on the Japanese Freeway.

According to the NPA head of Corporate Communication, the initial findings revealed that the officers stationed at the Alpha gate failed to execute their duties adequately, allowing vehicles to access the port area without proper logging procedures.

Scott noted further that it was discovered that Duty Officer Zwannah Haines and Ezekiel Kollie, who were stationed at Bravo Gate, colluded with Shift Commander Robert Yeah and Deputy Commander Charles Weah without the knowledge of the Senior Duty Officer, Major Mark Walker, and an individual identified as Douda.

He said the vehicles involved bear the license plates C-41018, H03612, and C-4342 and are steel plate trucks operated by Foday Kromah of New Georgia, Mohamed Kromah of Jacob Town, and Karlu Sible of Logan Town.

Meanwhile, Scott said that based on the investigation’s findings, Robert Teah, Charles Weah, Zwannah Haines, and Ezekiel Kollie have been charged with criminal conspiracy under Chapter 10.4 and Criminal Facilitation under Chapter 10.2.

Additionally, he said the officers stationed at the Alpha Gate, George Boakai, Michael Johnson, and Abraham Julue, face charges of negligence of duty for failing to prevent the unauthorized entry of trucks into the port premises.