The trial followed a 2023 revelation by FrontPage Africa, which revealed corruption allegations involving funds from a USAID healthcare project.
Bong County—Judge George S. Wiles of the 9th Judicial Circuit Court on Bong County has issued a landmark ruling, acquitting six defendants in a high-profile corruption trial linked to the Margibi County Health Team.
By: Yawah Y. Jaivey
The case, which garnered significant national attention, concluded on Tuesday when jury returned a “not guilty” verdict, exonerating the defendants of charges related to the mismanagement of donor funds.
The trial followed a 2023 revelation by FrontPage Africa, which revealed corruption allegations involving approximately US$188,978.86 in funds from a USAID healthcare project. A leaked audio recording implicated former County Health Officer, Dr. Augustine Nyankun Fannieh, and other officials discussing the misappropriation of public funds in collusion with vendors.
These revelations prompted an investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), resulting in the February 2024 indictment of twelve individuals by the Grand Jury of Margibi County. Charges included Economic Sabotage, Theft of Property, Tampering with Public Records, Criminal Facilitation, and Criminal Conspiracy, although five defendants were dropped from the case. The prosecution later requested a change of venue, and the trial was subsequently moved to Bong County.
The defendants acquitted include Dr. Augustine N. Fannieh, Leroy Dorwazia, Roland Reeves, Odoshall Oldpa Karnue, Barkolleh Kollie, and Momo K. Miller.
Following the jury’s verdict, Judge Wiles fully acquitted the defendants and restored their legal and civil rights. Earlier in the proceedings, four former officials of the Margibi County Health Team and several vendors were also exonerated.
The case prompted widespread public interest, focusing on alleged financial misconduct within the healthcare sector, specifically regarding the misuse of funds provided through the Ministry of Health’s Fixed Amount Reimbursement Agreement (FARA) Program, which has an annual budget of US$801,693.00 aimed at supporting essential health services in Margibi County.
Earlier on, former Margibi Health Team officials, including Procurement Officer Dornuu S. Horace and Diagnostic Officer Thomas M. Bonard were acquitted following a nolle prosequi ordered by the LACC, due to insufficient evidence. Business managers Vamuyan Toure and Mohammed Dunor were also cleared of charges after returning a portion of the funds in question, with the LACC recovering US$19,610 as part of its efforts to reclaim misappropriated resources.
While the acquittal is viewed as a legal victory for the defendants, it has raised ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency within Liberia’s public institutions, particularly regarding the management of donor funds.
The conclusion of this high-profile case reflects a complex landscape of corruption and governance issues facing the nation.
