| Summary of the Case |
In early 2023, the LACC received information of corruption allegations at the Planned Parenthood
Association of Liberia(PPAL). The allegations revolve on the misappropriation funds from the parent
organization of PPAL. This led to the suspension of the local office in Liberia for time indefinite until
funds allegedly stolen can be returned.
The LACC then mounted a high-level investigation into the matter. The Investigation found that those
accused Miatta K.K. Cojolo Former Executive Director, Enree B. Neeplo, Program Manager, Ernest
Vobah Finance Office were liable for the misapplication funds from the International Planned
Parenthood Headquarters. The Commission then moved to the court to secure indictments for all
those accused. The LACC secured indictments before a grand jury in Criminal Court C’ and a full
prosecution of those responsible is on the way. The amount involved is US$ 138,875.00 (One Hundred
Thirty-Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-five United States Dollars)
Trial jurors at criminal court “C” on Monday, July 15, 2024, brought down a unanimous guilty verdict against Madam Miatta K.K. Cojolo, former Executive, Ernree Bee Neeplo, former Program Manager; Ernest Vobah, former Finance and Administrative Manager; William Gibson, former Human Resource Manager, and Peter Collins, Vice Chairperson of the Board.
The complaint alleged Misapplication of Public funds and unethical conducts on the part of some current and former staff and honorary members of the PPAL, and therefore requested the Commission to investigate the same” the court documents claim.
The PPAL hired an audit firm, Parker and Company LLC, on February 23, 2020, to conduct a forensic audit, covering the activities of the period between 2013 to 2018.
It was the forensic audit, the Court record alleges revealed abuse of power, conflict of interest, wrongful procurement procedures and off-budget spending among others.
LACC initiated an investigation and realized that on November 22, 2013, thereabout at PPAL headquarters in the city of Monrovia, madam Cojolo, the former Executive Director, Neeplo, former Program Manager, Vobah, former Finance and Administrative Manager, Gibson, former HR Officer, and Collins, board vice chairman, as seen from the article of incorporation, intentionally and criminally established the PEWETA security company, thus having Kadiyatu Sheriff, Victoria Gibson and Syma Aaron Diawon as incorporators.
The LACC investigation further established that aside J. Olionel Roberts and Syma Aaron Diawon, who hold 5% shares each; the within named defendants who were found to be beneficial owners of PEWETA security company and criminally used the names of relatives as purported shareholders.
According to LACC report, madam Cojolo former Executive Director, admitted that Kadiyatu Sheriff is her niece who represented her interest with the firm, as for, defendants Ernest Vobah, Williams Gibson and Peter Collins, they admitted that Rebecca Vobah, Victoria Gibson and Leona Collins were their respective spouses but denied knowing of how their names appeared in the article of incorporation of PEWETA security company.
Without regards to Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC), procedures, PPAL on September 1, 2024, the defendants entered into contract with PEWETA security Inc.which was two months prior to legally establishing the first.
According to the Prosecution, the purpose of said bogus contract was to provide Guard services at PPAL’s main headquarters on 18th street, sinkor and two sub-offices in Kakata, Margibi and Gbarnga, Bong Counties, including the residence of its Executive Director madam Cojolo, that the contract had a twelve month value of Thirty-seven Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars (US$37, 500.00) which was renewed annually and continued up to 2018.
The defendants conspired and collected to have caused the management of PPAL to pay the total amount of Ninety-Six Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy Five United States Dollars (US$96,875.00) to PEWETA security company they were beneficial owners, representing the total value of its security guard service contract for the herein stated period. |
