Monrovia– Sethi Brothers Incorporated, the parent company of Duraplast Liberia Inc., has strongly denied allegations that it financed or orchestrated the ongoing court-backed evictions in the Stockton Creek land dispute, describing the claims as false, unsubstantiated, and potentially harmful to efforts aimed at resolving the conflict peacefully.
By Obediah Johnson
The company said allegations circulating on social media and other platforms accusing it of sponsoring forced evictions are misleading and unsupported by any judicial findings or official investigation.
According to the company, reports linking it to the displacement of residents or the demolition of homes have no factual basis and ignore that the matter remains the subject of a pending legal dispute over land ownership.
Sethi Brothers noted that many of the individuals affected by the recent court actions are employees of its businesses, making it illogical to suggest that the company would support the demolition of their homes or those of other Liberians who have lived in the community for years.
“Any suggestion that Sethi Brothers Inc. or Duraplast are involved in illegally removing residents or using their influence to deprive Liberians of their land is false and risks inflaming tensions in an already sensitive situation,” the company said in a statement.
The company emphasized its respect for the rule of law, adding that it has consistently maintained that the ownership dispute should be resolved through Liberia’s courts and the Liberia Land Authority based on evidence and applicable law.
It also cautioned against narratives portraying foreign-owned businesses as making Liberians “displaced in their own country,” arguing that such statements are inflammatory and could undermine ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.
Sethi Brothers urged the public and media institutions to refrain from presenting allegations as established facts without first seeking responses from all parties involved.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to operating in Liberia in compliance with national laws, respecting the rights of surrounding communities, and cooperating fully with any lawful investigation conducted by the Liberia Land Authority, the Ministry of Justice, or any other competent authority.
It also joined other stakeholders in calling for an impartial and transparent resolution of the Stockton Creek land dispute, urging all parties to avoid actions or statements that could further inflame tensions while the legal process continues.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Battery Factory community of Stockton Creek, where several residents and law enforcement officers were injured and property worth thousands of U.S. dollars was damaged after court sheriffs, backed by armed security personnel, attempted to enforce an eviction order.
The disputed property—estimated at between 85 and 88 acres—is being claimed by Catherine Johnson, a Liberian residing in the United States, who asserts legal ownership of the land.
Residents, however, maintain that they have lawfully occupied and developed the property for many years and argue that their occupancy and property rights should be recognized and protected under Liberian law.
