Monrovia – The Management of MDMC Express, Inc. has sharply condemned what it calls an “unprovoked and reckless armed raid” on the home of its Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Mr. John S. Youboty, allegedly carried out by operatives of the Assets Recovery Taskforce and officers believed to be from the Liberia National Police.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, MDMC described the early morning incident on Friday, November 7, 2025, as a “planned and well-executed armed attack” that resulted in the “illegal arrest and incarceration” of its CEO at the Monrovia Central Prison (commonly known as South Beach).
The company said such actions are counterproductive to the government’s investment drive and risk tarnishing Liberia’s image as a safe environment for business.
“This is not the way corporate entities the world over are treated, especially when they have valid and active contracts with government institutions,” the statement said.
Background of the Dispute
On September 12, 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented at the time by its Acting Minister, Thelma Duncan Sawyer, entered into a civil works contract with Mr. John S. Youboty of MDMC Express Incorporated for the renovation of the Ministry’s building. The contract, valued at US$1,949,999.72, was expected to be completed within three months — from September 12 to December 31, 2023.
According to the Assets Recovery and Property Tracking (AREPT) Chairman, Cllr. Edward Kla Martin, an investigation revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made full payment to MDMC, representing 100 percent of the contract value.
Martin stated that an independent architectural appraisal found that no certificate of completion was issued, and only 56.35 percent of the work, valued at US$1,098,863.58, was actually done. The remaining 43.65 percent, valued at US$851,136.13, was not completed — despite MDMC having already received full payment.
AREPT further disclosed that the funds used for the project were part of a US$2.5 million donation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Government of Liberia for the renovation of the Ministry’s first through fifth floors, including the entire parking lot, and for the donation of rice to disaster victims.
“These findings form the basis upon which Thelma Duncan Sawyer, former Deputy Minister for Administration; John S. Youboty, CEO of MDMC Express; Joseph C. Goodridge, Project Manager of MDMC; and other representatives of the company have been indicted for Theft of Property and Criminal Facilitation,” Cllr. Martin said.
AREPT has also recommended that the Government of Liberia disengage from all existing and pending contractual arrangements with MDMC Express Incorporated, citing the company’s indictment.
MDMC’s Response
In reaction to the allegations, MDMC Express Incorporated clarified that it entered into two separate civil works contracts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — on May 5 and September 12, 2023 — covering the renovation of the Ministry’s 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st floors, as well as the basement (Passport Section) and the installation of three new elevators.
The company said the total project cost of US$1,949,999.72, funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was fully executed, including a six-month defects and liability period, which expired over a year ago. The elevator warranty, it added, remains valid until January 31, 2026.
MDMC detailed that the civil works were executed in three phases:
first Segment: 5th, 4th, and Ground floors – US$779,999.88 (40%), second Segment: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors – US$682,499.90 (35%) and third Segment: Basement (Passport Section) and pavement works – US$194,999.97 (15%).
In addition, the company said the Ministry requested extra works outside the original Bill of Quantity (BOQ), costing an additional US$526,870.24, which remains unpaid.
The company also noted that the contract provides for arbitration as the mechanism for resolving disputes, rather than “arbitrary actions” such as arrests or intimidation.
MDMC claimed that when it requested final payment, the Foreign Ministry sought a legal opinion from the Ministry of Justice regarding the “change order” authorized by the former Deputy Minister for Administration, Mrs. Comfort Sawyer.
Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, according to MDMC, responded on December 24, 2024, advising MOFA to pay MDMC US$487,499.94 for work already performed under the mutually executed contract; and constitute a technical assessment team—including representatives from Public Works, the General Services Agency, MOFA, and MDMC—to verify additional work done under the change order.
The company said the Foreign Ministry “ignored” both recommendations. The ministry is yet to respond to MDMC’s allegations.
Rebuking the Assets Recovery Taskforce
MDMC further accused the Assets Recovery Taskforce, chaired by Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, of “usurping functions outside its legal mandate” under Executive Order No. 145, which established the Taskforce.
The company dismissed as “false, speculative, and misleading” an alleged indictment containing 18 counts reportedly prepared against it, arguing that the Taskforce has no authority to revisit or override legal opinions already rendered by the Minister of Justice, who is the government’s principal legal advisor.
“For the Assets Recovery Taskforce to have ventured into matters already addressed by the Minister of Justice suggests serious disorganization and overreach that undermine the functioning of the Taskforce and threaten the business climate,” MDMC asserted.
The company described the Taskforce’s actions as a “witch-hunt” and “abuse of power” that have inflicted grave reputational and psychological harm on its CEO and the firm. It vowed to pursue “legal reciprocity” against those responsible.
Call for Justice and Accountability
MDMC concluded by reaffirming its commitment to lawful business practices and transparency, warning that the situation reflects deeper issues in Liberia’s justice and governance systems.
“If this could happen to us, then the system of justice is wanting,” the company warned.
“We will not relent until those responsible for this unprovoked assault and reputational damage are held accountable before the justice system of Liberia.”
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