Government Officials Threaten Journalist Sekou Sheriff

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ADNews-Monrovia: A Liberian  Journalist Sekou Sheriff who is also a Chief Executive Officer of “ Voice of Liberia” with multiple sub-stations across the country has alarmed threat against his life by some members of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s government  for his  critical stance in the Media landscape.

Sekou has complained  madam  Margaret Krote Assistant Commissioner, Large Tax Division, the head of IT Kollie Zayzay and several other staff members of LRA to  Press Union of Liberia, the Government, the Diplomatic Circle and Civil Society Organizations for their alleged  physical and psychological humiliation against  him few days ago.

 Below is the full complaint

Dorbor Jallah Commissioner General Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA)

I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding an alarming incident that occurred on the 1st of February 2025 at Roberts International Airport involving Margaret Krote Assistant Commissioner, Large Tax Division, the head of IT Kollie Zayzay and several other staff members of LRA.

Earlier that day, I was at the airport to drop off a friend traveling on Kenya Airways. While my friend went inside to check in, we were asked to wait in the parking area. During this time, I was called over by Margaret Krote and some LRA staff. Out of respect, I approached them, unaware of their intentions. Upon greeting them, I was met with insults and threats, with Ass. Commissioner Krote accusing me of discussing her on my show.

When I asked why she hadn’t pursued legal action if my statements were indeed false, instead of ceasing the confrontation, Ass. Commissioner Krote and her team, who were also traveling on the same flight, attempted to provoke a physical altercation. At that moment, I found myself alone, without any security or driver, rendering me vulnerable. My colleague, Samira Wonlah, advised me to leave for my safety, but as I attempted to exit, the threats continued.

This incident is particularly concerning given my previous investigation into a company that allegedly defrauded the government of millions in taxes, which I reported to the LRA. After confirming the validity of my concerns in a meeting, an independent audit was initiated, that falls under her department.  I have since learned that she may have been attempting to undermine said audit. I mentioned her in my show to urge LRA officials to ensure the integrity of the audit, which ultimately confirmed the fraudulent activities.

Hon. Commissioner, as we know, there have been reports of dead bodies found in the streets of Liberia, and the reasons behind these killings are unclear. Receiving threats from officials in the current Government, especially at LRA, makes me feel very unsafe.

Thank you for your attention to this serious issue as I await your swift intervention into this matter.

Sincerely,

_________________________________
Sekou Sheriff
CEO
Voice of Liberia

 

Cc: Press Union of Liberia
Cc: US Embassy
Cc: Civil Society Organization of Liberia
Cc: File

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