JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
By Kruah Thompson
MONROVIA, August 7, 2026 – Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh has declared that no individual will be arrested or prosecuted in Liberia’s ongoing drug trafficking investigation based solely on allegations made on radio talk shows, social media, or other public platforms.
He said the Joint Security Task Force will only investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals where there is credible evidence, emphasizing that criminal cases must be built on facts, evidence, and the rule of law—not rumors, speculation, or political pressure.
“Every day, names of individuals are being mentioned on radio and other public platforms, and people are asking why those individuals have not been arrested,” Tweh said. “The Ministry of Justice does not investigate or arrest people simply because their names are mentioned in public. We do not build criminal cases on rumors, speculation, or political pressure. We build cases on facts, evidence, and law.”
Speaking Thursday during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, the Justice Minister warned that arresting individuals based solely on public accusations would undermine the credibility of Liberia’s justice system and unfairly damage the reputations of innocent people.
According to him, investigators are required to assess whether information received is credible, can be independently verified, and establishes probable cause for further investigation or prosecution.
“When credible evidence exists, we investigate further. Where the evidence supports prosecution, charges will be filed. Where it does not, we will not prosecute simply to satisfy public opinion,” Tweh stated.
He also cautioned against making unsubstantiated public allegations, noting that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, that right carries responsibility.
“Publicly accusing individuals of serious criminal conduct without evidence does not assist law enforcement. It undermines legitimate investigations, unfairly damages reputations, and may expose those making false allegations to legal consequences,” he said.
Tweh urged members of the public with credible information related to the ongoing drug trafficking investigation to report it to the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Liberia National Police (LNP), or any member of the Joint Security Task Force.
He assured the public that all information provided would be treated professionally and confidentially, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring that anyone implicated by credible evidence, regardless of status or position, is investigated and, where warranted, prosecuted in accordance with the law.
