The Liberia National Police (LNP) has announced the summoning of several individuals for questioning in connection with the death of Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa, the former Director General of the Internal Audit Agency.
According to LNP’s release, those who have been summoned are Samuel Tweh, former Finance Minister; Bill T. Twehway, Senator of Rivercess County; Wilhelmina Jallah, former Health Minister; and Trokon Williams.
Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa was found dead at his residence on 72nd Boulevard on October 10, 2020. His death came shortly after the deaths of three other auditors within a span of eight days in Monrovia: Albert Peters (Internal Audit) and Gifty Lama (Taxpayers Services Division) from the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), and George Fanbutu (External Audit).
The circumstances surrounding these deaths remain unclear and have raised significant concerns about the safety of those in the auditing profession in Liberia.
Nyeswa’s death, in particular, has been shrouded in mystery, with initial reports indicating that he had been at D’Calabash, an amusement spot along the Congo Town backroad, with friends before returning home after midnight on the day of his death.
In a statement, the Liberia National Police (LNP) said, “The LNP is committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the death of Mr. Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa. We have invited several individuals who may have relevant information to assist in our on-going inquiries. We urge anyone with additional information to come forward to aid our investigation.”
The police is reportedly focusing on gathering more details about Nyeswa’s activities on the night of his death, and any potential connections to the other auditor deaths. The LNP has assured the public that they are determined to uncover the truth behind these tragic incidents and bring justice to the families affected.
Responding to the inquest from the Liberia National Police (LNP), the former Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel Tweah, Jr., said he welcomes the police investigation under a new government to independently re-establish facts in the death of a dear friend and brother, Barthan Nyeswa, among other deaths that were politically weaponized.
In his response, ex-Minister Tweah said, “On last Friday, I received a call from my brother Cllr Norris Tweah, who informed me that the police was interested in speaking with persons who were either friends with Barthan, who may have been observed with him on the evening prior to his tragic incident, seen at his house or who may have visited the JFK Memorial hospital where he had been taken. Norris stated he had already spoken with the police and encouraged me to do the same.
“On the morning of the incident upon receiving a call from my brother Norris, reporting the incident, I had called Dr. Williametta Jallah, the government’s chief medical official and Mr. Bill Twehway, another close friend of Barthan, to report the incident, and that we were all headed at the JFK where Barthan had been taken by Norris.
“Upon speaking to the police, I will release publicly the information I avail. I welcome this moment of authentic truth-telling and fact-finding so that the demons of lies, duplicity and propaganda that have long harried our people over the last six years for political purposes can hopefully and finally be exorcised and laid to rest!”