Monrovia – A corruption saga unfolds in Liberia as a mysterious disappearance of over US$200,000 from a United Bank for Africa (UBA)-Liberia savings account, intended to enhance the well-being of Executive Protection Service (EPS) agents, takes a perplexing turn. Led by Mr. Trokon Roberts, the EPS, an elite security force safeguarding top Liberian officials and foreign dignitaries, finds itself entangled in a web of corruption and calculated schemes targeting Board and Management Team Members of the agency’s Development Fund.
In June 2018, more than 800 EPS agents established the “Executive Protection Service Employees’ Development Fund” to accumulate savings and create credit facilities, providing opportunities for loans at a fair interest rate of 5%. Managed by a team of five individuals, the fund’s activities were monitored by a board of three members.
James Helb, Chairman of the Development Fund, absconded the country last year after it was revealed that over US$200,000 was illicitly withdrawn from the UBA account. Despite a year-long investigation by Assistant Police Commissioner Prince Mulbah, Helb remains at large in Accra, Ghana. The Liberia National Police (LNP) collaborates with Interpol to secure Helb’s arrest and deportation.
The LNP’s investigation reveals that Helb used an EPS agent, Agatha Sayee, and a UBA employee, Maude, to withdraw a substantial sum from the account. Despite Liberia’s positive standing with Interpol, the LNP expresses concerns about Helb’s evasion, citing financial constraints owed since 2004.
To expedite the case, the LNP plans to subpoena UBA Liberia for information on fund withdrawals. Prince Mulbah emphasizes the need for international coordination and cooperation to ensure regional security.
EPS Director Trokon Roberts distances the administration from the day-to-day affairs of the Fund, ordering an internal audit upon discovering unauthorized deductions from his salary. The audit reveals discrepancies unknown to the administration and shareholders.
Director Roberts discloses that the Fund’s management decided to purchase 40 acres of land without shareholders’ knowledge. Internal investigations suggest the land belongs to the family of the prime suspect, James Helb.
In light of the scandal, the EPS administration, adhering to its mandate, plans to forward the case to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) for further investigation. Roberts stresses the importance of a comprehensive inquiry during this transition period.
UBA Liberia remains a stakeholder in the case, and Roberts urges asking tough questions about the saga. He denies reports of administrative cuts from agents’ salaries being sent to the development fund account, clarifying that such cuts contribute to the agency’s contributions for various purposes.
With only 70% of the funds distributed, the EPS administration calls for patience and discourages protests, asserting that they followed proper procedures and reporting to law enforcement agencies. As the investigation unfolds, the EPS administration remains firm in its commitment to uphold transparency and integrity.
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Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
