Monrovia — The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has launched an investigation into Rustonlyn Suacoco Dennis, the President and CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), following serious allegations of financial misconduct and corruption under her leadership.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
In a formal communication dated February 4, 2025, the LACC informed Dennis that an investigation was underway regarding claims of fraud, mismanagement, and abuse of office that allegedly occurred at NOCAL between July and December 2024. A copy of the letter is in possession of FrontPage Africa.
The investigation centers around allegations that Dennis authorized the purchase of a luxury vehicle, a 2024 MG RX8 SUV, for US$75,000.
However, sources suggest the actual price of the vehicle was $45,000, raising questions about the additional $30,000.
Investigators said it is alleged that Dennis conspired with Cactus Motors, the dealership involved, to receive kickbacks from the inflated price, which were reportedly funneled into a second vehicle registered under her private company, Tanti Group of Companies.
Further allegations suggest that Dennis misused her authority to facilitate a consultancy contract worth $585,000 with West Africa Geo-Services (WAGS).
The LACC’s probe indicates that $300,000 of this sum was improperly paid to the contractor in breach of Liberia’s Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA) and the Public Financial Management Law (PFML) of 2009.
Excerpt of the communication: “The allegation also reveals that you used your influence as the CEO of NOCAL in the award of a consultancy contract to a company called West Africa Geo-Services (WAGSY valued at US$585,000. and that US$300,000 of this amount was paid to the Contractor in violation of the PPCC Act of 2009 as well as the PFM Law of 2009 respectively. In addition, the allegation also reveals that you have mismanaged over thousands of United States dollars of the entity’s funds intended for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to reward your political supporters in your district (District 84, Montserrado County). Given your position as President and CEO of NOCAL, the LACC invites you to provide some useful information to aid its investigation.”
Additionally, Dennis is accused of misappropriating funds allocated for NOCAL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, reportedly directing substantial portions of these funds to political supporters in her home district, District Number Four in Montserrado County.
“Given your position as President and CEO of NOCAL, the LACC invites you to provide some useful information to aid its investigation. Hence, you are invited. You are advised to come along with your Legal Counsel and all relevant documents to support your testimony.”
The LACC’s formal invitation to Dennis has generated widespread public interest, particularly given her combative response to critics on social media.
On February 3, Dennis launched a tirade against citizens and online commentators who had raised concerns over her actions. Her outbursts, marked by insults and dismissive remarks, have fueled public outrage and raised doubts about her ability to lead NOCAL effectively.
The LACC has scheduled a meeting with Dennis at its headquarters on February 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM, where she is expected to provide information related to the ongoing investigation. The commission has advised her to bring legal counsel and any relevant documents to support her testimony.
The growing controversy surrounding Dennis has drawn comparisons to previous scandals involving the misuse of public funds.
Notably, the resignation of former Commerce Minister Amin Modad, who faced similar allegations of financial misconduct, has highlighted the issue of corruption within government institutions.
Critics of Dennis argue that, as head of NOCAL — a key entity responsible for managing Liberia’s oil resources — she should be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
In its letter to Dennis, the LACC emphasized the importance of full cooperation in the fight against corruption, reiterating the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.