MONROVIA – Rustonlyn Dennis, the suspended Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), has posted a bond of US$255,425 following her indictment on 25 criminal charges. Dennis was released from detention after securing the bond and is now expected to face trial in the coming days.
The charges against Dennis stem from a sweeping investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), which found alleged acts of financial misconduct during her tenure at NOCAL. The indictment, handed down by Criminal Court “C”, accuses her of a range of crimes including economic sabotage, theft of property, criminal conspiracy, and misappropriation of entrusted funds.
According to court records, the LACC probe uncovered transactions involving hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars in unexplained and undocumented disbursements. Investigators allege that Dennis personally authorized payments without requisite supporting documents, in violation of NOCAL’s financial protocols.
The case has drawn national attention, as it marks one of the most high-profile corruption prosecutions under President Joseph Boakai’s administration. Anti-graft advocates have pointed to the case as a critical test of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Dennis’ legal team has maintained her innocence, arguing that she acted in good faith and followed internal procedures in the execution of her duties. In a brief appearance outside the courtroom, one of her lawyers stated, “We are confident that the evidence will show she committed no crime.”
Despite her suspension, Dennis remains a prominent figure in Liberia’s energy sector. Her indictment has sparked renewed calls for reform at NOCAL, which has faced repeated scandals and allegations of mismanagement in past administrations.
Sources close to the investigation say the case involves a detailed audit of transactions dating back to 2023. The LACC reportedly traced several payments that could not be reconciled with contracts, service delivery reports, or procurement guidelines.
Civil society groups have welcomed the indictment but are urging the Ministry of Justice and the courts to act impartially. “This is not about personalities. It’s about setting a precedent that no one is above the law,” said a representative of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL).
If convicted, Dennis could face significant prison time and be required to make restitution to the government. However, under Liberian law, she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
As of now, court officials say pre-trial hearings will commence shortly, and the case could go to trial before the end of the year. Prosecutors are expected to call several witnesses, including former NOCAL employees, auditors, and government procurement officials.
Like this:
Like Loading…
