MONROVIA – In July, President George Weah suspended them for allegedly transferring the amount of US$300,000 into a private account.
The two officials were arrested recently by personnel of the National Security Agency (NSA). Accorded to early report, they were suspended for their alleged involvement in the diverting of monies intended for the government of Liberia into their personal accounts both in the United States and Liberia respectively.
The funds, according to reports, were remittances reportedly paid by Arcelor Mittal and Equatorial Palm Oil for the exportation of iron ore and palm oil via the port of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
Responding to Gull’s escape, Cllr. Edwin Martin said though there are reports that one of the suspects is at large, the LACC remains focused on investigating the matter.
“We are getting rumors that one of the accused in the Buchanan saga is at large. We don’t want to dwell on rumors, but we can certainly speak to the evidence to make sure that the issue is objective.”
Cllr. Martin noted that when the information of Mr. Gull’s departure from the country is factual, the LACC will continue with its investigation in the absence of Mr. Gull if he does not honor or show up to invitations that will be sent to him.
He added that Mr. Gull will be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution if it is established by LACC investigators that he committed the act of corruption because the commission does not have prosecutorial powers to do so presently.
He said an indictment may likely be drawn up if probable cause for prosecution is established, with an arrest order expected to be issued by the court.
Cllr. Martin emphasized that government will declare Mr. Gull as a wanted person and will go through the process of extradition if the country he reportedly escaped to surreptitiously is identified.
“All those that will be investigated and held liable for corruption or misuse of public monies and are residing in the Americas-we want to say that, don’t feel that this is over because we are in a new dispensation. America has given us their full support and we will adequately inform the American government through the proper extradition procedures. We believe that the Americans want due process and we can assure them of due process.”
