–For Threats Against His Life
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Voice of Liberia (VOL), Sekou Sheriff, has alarmed over officials of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), including the Assistant Commissioner for Large Tax, Margaret Krote, and the head of IT, Kollie Zayzay, threatening to deal with him to the extent that he may not live to tell the story.
Sheriff has meanwhile expressed fear for his life, noting that receiving threats from officials of government, especially at LRA, makes him feel unsafe, as there have been reports of dead bodies found in the streets of Liberia and the reasons behind these killings are unclear.
In a letter of complaint to the Commissioner General of LRA, Dorbor Jallah, which was copied to the United States Embassy, Press Union of Liberia and civil society organizations, Sheriff explained that on Saturday, February 1, 2025 he was at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) to drop off a friend traveling on Kenya Airways, and while the passengers went inside to check in they were asked to wait in the parking area. “During this time, I was called over by Margaret Krote and some LRA staff. Out of respect, I approached them, unaware of their intentions. Upon greeting them, I was met with insults and threats, with Assistant Commissioner Krote accusing me of discussing her on my show,” Sheriff noted.
“When I asked why she hadn’t pursued legal action if my statements were indeed false, instead of ceasing the confrontation, Assistant Commissioner Krote and her team, who were also traveling on the same flight, attempted to provoke a physical altercation. At that moment, I found myself alone, without any security or driver, rendering me vulnerable. My colleague, Samira Wonlah, advised me to leave for my safety, but as I attempted to exit, the threats continued,” he further explained.
The Voice of Liberia boss said perceived that the incident is particularly concerning his previous investigation into a company that allegedly defrauded the government of millions in taxes, which he reported to the LRA.
“After confirming the validity of my concerns in a meeting, an independent audit was initiated, which falls under her department. I have since learned that she may have been attempting to undermine said audit. I mentioned her in my show to urge LRA officials to ensure the integrity of the audit, which ultimately confirmed the fraudulent activities,” Sheriff disclosed.
Meanwhile, Sheriff has asked Commissioner Jallah to give his utmost attention to the matter, as he awaits his swift intervention.
“Hon. Commissioner, as we know, there have been reports of dead bodies found in the streets of Liberia, and the reasons behind these killings are unclear. Receiving threats from officials in the current Government, especially at LRA, makes me feel very unsafe,” Sekou Sheriff indicated.
