Monrovia – The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has opened an investigation into allegations of misconduct involving officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), including its Deputy Director for Operations, ACP Patrick Kormazu.
Front Page Africa has gathered from sources within the Ministry of Justice that a letter has been issued by the MOJ’s Litigation Division, concerning reviewing the complaint submitted by Mrs. Oretha Tarkai, who alleged that her husband was detained and extorted by officers under the command of ACP Kormazu.
The Ministry has reportedly invited the complainant to a conference scheduled for October 27 at the MOJ office to address the matter.
While the complaint names ACP Kormazu, no findings of wrongdoing have been made and officials close to the LDEA say the allegations are being taken seriously but should not be assumed true without due process.
“This is a matter now under review. All individuals named in the complaint are presumed innocent while the investigation proceeds,” a senior official at the Ministry told FPA on condition of anonymity.
Details of the Allegations
In her complaint, Mrs. Tarkai claimed her husband, Mr. Ariche Tarkai, was arrested twice, first in September 2025 by LDEA’s Gobacho Satellite officers and then again on October 14, by the Omega Satellite Unit.
In both instances, she alleged that large sums of money were demanded for his release, including L$100,000 and US$1,000, respectively.
She said the October arrest was allegedly carried out on the orders of ACP Kormazu, while Mr. Tarkai was said to be involved in a community project in the Omega area.
The complaint further alleged that Mr. Tarkai was transferred to LDEA headquarters and held without formal charges when the demanded amount was not paid.
Legal experts and civil society advocates have welcomed the MOJ’s decision to investigate, but many are urging the public to allow the facts to emerge before drawing conclusions.
LDEA Officials Deny Wrongdoing
Sources within the LDEA who spoke with FPA off the record have described the allegations against ACP Kormazu as “baseless and politically motivated’’.
They argue that ACP Kormazu has served the agency with distinction and that his operational decisions are always grounded in the law.
As of press time, ACP Patrick Kormazu has not issued a public statement, but LDEA insiders say he welcomes the investigation and is confident it will clear his name.
“Director Kormazu has a clean record and a strong operational background,” said a senior LDEA officer.
“The agency has zero tolerance for misconduct, and we are cooperating fully with the Ministry of Justice.”
The Ministry of Justice has not issued any disciplinary actions and has made it clear that the October 27 conference is a fact-finding step, not a judgment.
The process is expected to involve reviewing evidence, hearing both sides, and determining whether further action is warranted.
The MOJ’s involvement signals the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness, both in protecting the rights of ordinary citizens and ensuring that law enforcement officers are treated justly.
As this is an ongoing investigation, FPA will continue to follow developments and report updates as they become available.
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