Monrovia – Political commentator and talk show host Justine Oldpa Yeahzeahn, popularly known as “Prophet Key”, has been detained at the Liberia National Police (LNP) headquarters for allegedly submitting fraudulent documents to the National Elections Commission (NEC).
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Police sources confirmed that Prophet Key is being held for 48 hours pending investigation and is expected to be forwarded to court for prosecution.
The alleged offense stems from documents submitted to the NEC, although authorities have yet to specify the exact nature of the falsification. The police have classified the matter as a criminal offense under Liberia’s election laws.
This development comes amid growing scrutiny of the NEC’s vetting process for electoral aspirants, particularly in light of increasing allegations of irregularities surrounding candidate documentation.
Earlier media reports had raised concerns about Prophet Key’s eligibility and the authenticity of the documents he submitted during the registration process for the upcoming senatorial by-election. Those concerns have now escalated into formal charges, resulting in his detention.
“Prophet Key,” a controversial figure known for his provocative social media presence and invective-laced commentary, recently returned to Liberia from abroad to contest the senatorial race in his native Nimba County. The election is being held to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
In March, the NEC included Prophet Key among a provisional list of eight candidates, which also featured Rep. Samuel Kogar (District #5, Nimba County) and former Nimba Superintendent Edith Gongloe Weh. The by-election is scheduled for April 22.
However, later that month, the NEC disqualified “Prophet Key,” citing the submission of a fraudulent voter registration card during the nomination process—an electoral violation that rendered him ineligible to contest.
In a statement, the NEC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Liberia’s election laws and maintaining a credible and transparent electoral process. The Commission emphasized that all candidates must meet legal requirements and that any violations would be dealt with accordingly.
Following his disqualification, “Prophet Key” took to Facebook to express frustration with the NEC’s decision. He accused the Commission of intentionally delaying the delivery of his rejection notice, thereby preventing him from appealing within the 48-hour window required by law.
“NEC sent me a rejection letter but failed to send it to my email, knowing fully well I got 48 hours to respond,” he wrote. “My lawyer said I got a good case, but NEC played on me by not giving me the letter on time so I could appeal within 48 hours.”
