ROBERTSFIELD, Margibi County – Liberian journalist and CEO of Voice of Liberia, Sekou Sheriff, has accused top officials of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) of threatening and harassing him at the Roberts International Airport (RIA). Sheriff, in a formal complaint to LRA Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah, alleged that Assistant Commissioner for the Large Tax Division, Margaret Krote, Head of IT Kollie Zayzay, and several others confronted him on February 1, 2025, over his reporting on alleged tax fraud.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Sheriff said he was at the airport to drop off a friend traveling on Kenya Airways when Krote and her colleagues allegedly summoned him.
“Out of respect, I approached them, unaware of their intentions. Upon greeting them, I was met with insults and threats, with Assistant Commissioner Krote accusing me of discussing her on my show,” Sheriff wrote in his complaint.
According to Sheriff, when he asked Krote why she had not taken legal action if his statements were false, the encounter escalated into open hostility, with LRA officials allegedly attempting to provoke a physical altercation.
A Story of Corruption?
Sheriff linked the altercation to his reporting on an alleged multi-million-dollar tax fraud case, which he had flagged to the LRA. His reports prompted an independent audit under Krote’s department.
“I mentioned her in my show to urge LRA officials to ensure the integrity of the audit, which ultimately confirmed the fraudulent activities,” he stated. Sheriff suspects Krote may have attempted to obstruct the investigation and now sees the confrontation at the airport as possible retaliation.
Journalist Fears for His Life
Sheriff, known for his investigative work, says he is deeply concerned for his safety.
“There have been reports of dead bodies found in the streets of Liberia, and the reasons behind these killings are unclear. Receiving threats from government officials, especially at the LRA, makes me feel very unsafe,” he stated.
His letter has been copied to the Press Union of Liberia, the U.S. Embassy, and civil society organizations, signaling a wider push for accountability and protection of journalists.
LRA’s Response: Denial and Uncertainty
When contacted, Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh, LRA’s Manager for Communication, Media, and Public Affairs, declined to confirm the allegations, citing the absence of key figures.
“I can’t tell whether or not the CG [Commissioner General] has received a complaint because he’s out of the country,” Sengbeh stated.
He further claimed that Margaret Krote is also not in Liberia, making it difficult for the institution to verify the journalist’s claims.
“The LRA doesn’t and can’t support any attack against a journalist or any other person,” Sengbeh added. He promised to follow up and respond when both the CG and Krote return from their trips.
Growing Concerns Over Press Freedom
Sheriff’s allegations come at a time when journalists in Liberia face increasing intimidation and hostility. Press freedom advocates warn that threats from powerful government officials could set a dangerous precedent, especially in cases where journalists expose high-level corruption.