MONROVIA – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) on Monday, September 8, 2025, announced a major breakthrough in its prosecution of corruption in Gbarpolu County, after the 16th Judicial Circuit Court returned a True Bill on all counts of an indictment against several county officials and a private vendor in what has become known as the “Yellow Machines” scandal.
Those indicted include Sam K. Zinnah, Superintendent of Gbarpolu County; Omaru Sheriff, Chief Executive Officer of City Lion (the vendor); J. Keyah Saah, former Superintendent of Gbarpolu; Anthony Yorkor, former Fiscal Superintendent; and Robert Benda, former Chairperson of the Gbarpolu Project Management Committee (PMC). Court writs of arrest have already been issued and served on the defendants.
The charges stem from allegations of corruption and abuse of public resources linked to the procurement and management of heavy-duty equipment intended for county development. According to the indictment, in 2023 the Gbarpolu County Council approved over US$400,000 from the County Social Development Fund for the purchase of a bulldozer, excavator, and motor grader. The machines were supposed to be brand new, but investigators say City Lion Inc., the only bidder, instead delivered refurbished and substandard equipment.
The LACC further alleges that Superintendent Zinnah and CEO Sheriff conspired to conceal the defects of the machines, while facilitating the illegal clearance of two additional loader diggers in the county’s name to evade taxes. Prosecutors revealed that three separate payments totaling LRD 80,750,000 were made to City Lion Inc., but the equipment arrived late, was of poor quality, and provided no real value for money.
Investigators also accuse Zinnah of personally receiving US$6,400 from the vendor as a clearance fee for the loader diggers, which were never authorized as part of the county’s approved projects. The charges against Zinnah range from economic sabotage and theft of property to misuse of public money, tax evasion, criminal conspiracy, and violation of procurement and public finance laws.
In announcing the indictment, the LACC praised the Grand Jury and the judiciary for their cooperation, emphasizing that the case underscores its commitment to ensuring accountability in public service. “This indictment is the result of extensive investigative work by the Commission and reflects our resolve to pursue justice in all cases of public sector corruption,” the LACC said in a statement.
The Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Zuballaha Kizeku, has ordered the sheriff of Gbarpolu County to arrest Superintendent Zinnah and bring him before the court to face trial. If convicted, the defendants could face lengthy prison terms and be required to restitute funds to the government.
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