MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Rev. Emmanuel Nimely, former Religious Advisor to ex-President George Weah, has been released from prison and has reportedly fled the country, according to credible sources.
Nimely, Senior Pastor of the Forkay Klon Church founded by Weah, was jailed in June 2024 after being charged with theft of property and issuing deceptive writings. He was accused of defrauding more than 90 Liberians of over US$87,000 by promising fake overseas travel opportunities.
Rev. Emmanuel Nimely was released on bail by Criminal Court ‘C’ after being held since 2023 for allegedly orchestrating a visa scam. He collected over US$87,000 under false pretenses, claiming he could arrange travel to Australia for a fictitious religious conference. Nimely later confessed to receiving the funds but failed to deliver the promised visas or refund his victims. Investigations revealed that his religious organization was merely a front for the scheme.
He was released from the Monrovia Central Prison (South Beach) on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, along with 19 other inmates facing lesser charges. His release has sparked criticism amid reports that he fled the country shortly after regaining his freedom, raising concerns about accountability and justice for the victims.
The case has ignited public outrage due to Nimely’s close ties to former President Weah and the scale of the alleged fraud. With his apparent escape, many now fear that justice may never be served.
