GBARNGA – Aaron G.V. Juakollie, Executive Director of the Foundation for International Dignity (FIND), has expressed serious concerns about the delayed investigation into the alleged murder of Bigboy Flomo, which occurred on November 24, 2021, in the Morris B. Davis Town Rock Crusher community, Kokoyah Statutory District, Bong County.
By Selma Lomax | [email protected]
Flomo’s case remains unresolved despite an autopsy report dated January 20, 2022, by pathologists Dr. Benedict B. Kolee and Dr. Zoeborn B. Kparteh, which identified the cause of death as hypovolemic shock, massive seepage, multiple soft tissue and bony injuries, and high-velocity blunt force trauma consistent with a train strike.
The findings were sent to court on February 5, 2022. However, Juakollie has criticized the report, questioning its suggestion that only a train could inflict such injuries and suggesting other vehicles, such as cars or motorcycles, could also cause similar damage.
Further raising concerns, Juakollie pointed out that the Liberia National Police (LNP) investigative report is incomplete, notably lacking statements from any ArcelorMittal employees.
While three individuals – Arthur Teah Jr., Sumo Nyeanate, and Anthony David – were charged with tampering with evidence, no action has been taken against them.
Juakollie expressed frustration that Flomo’s body has been held at the St. Kennedy Funeral Home in Gbarnga since November 25, 2021, nearly three and a half years ago.
“If nothing is done about this matter, it will be considered selective justice,” Juakollie stated. “As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied.”
In addition to the delays in the investigation, Juakollie raised the issue of the absence of a coroner in Bong County, a crucial position that has been vacant since the death of Jacob Sumo, the last person to hold the role. Without a coroner, Juakollie believes that cases of unnatural deaths, including Flomo’s, remain unresolved.
He is now calling on the Government of Liberia, through the Minister of Justice, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, to reinvestigate Flomo’s death and conduct a new autopsy.
He also urged the appointment of a new coroner in Bong County, emphasizing that the absence of this official for nearly a decade is a violation of the residents’ rights.
FIND has also called on civil society organizations (CSOs), the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), and international partners, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), to monitor the situation closely and ensure justice is served.
“We hope the Government of Liberia will take our concerns seriously,” Juakollie concluded during a statement made over the weekend in Gbarnga, Bong County.
