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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: A major financial scandal has erupted involving Sekou A. M. Dukuly, Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), who stands accused of misappropriating over US$3.7 million belonging to a Chinese investor, Yang Dan. The complaint, filed through J. Johnny Momoh & Associates Legal Chambers, alleges theft, fraud, and the unlawful seizure of property.
According to the legal communication submitted to the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Col. Gregory O.W. Coleman, Yang Dan arrived in Liberia in November 2022 to explore investment opportunities. In early 2023, he was introduced to Dukuly through the management of Colony Hotel. The two subsequently formed what appeared to be a promising business alliance, intending to establish ventures in engineering, construction, mining, and mineral water production.
The first major investment, totaling US$2,554,421, was directed towards constructing a state-of-the-art mineral water bottling plant on land provided by Mr. Dukuly. The plant was completed in August 2024, but began operations in January 2025 due to technical delays. All expenses—including equipment procurement, construction materials, and staff salaries, were reportedly borne by Yang.
The second phase of investment involved a proposed joint mining venture, where both parties were to hold 50% equity. Dukuly allegedly requested US$1,133,300 for obtaining mining licenses and related permits. This sum was wired directly to Dukuly, but no licenses or mining documentation have been produced to date.
Additionally, Dukuly is accused of diverting US$300,000 worth of funds for personal luxuries. These include designer goods, mobile devices, Rolex watches, vehicle spare parts, luxury travel tickets, and home renovations for himself and associates. According to Yang’s legal counsel, documentary evidence including receipts and photographs will be presented during the investigation.
Yang further claims that Dukuly, in an effort to avoid accountability, conspired with Chinese associates and retained the services of Heritage Partners & Associates, LLC, to file a counter-claim against Yang. This led to a criminal charge of theft filed against Yang himself, with the matter currently pending preliminary hearing at the Monrovia City Court.
Moreover, Dukuly is said to have unlawfully taken possession of the mineral water plant and is now preventing Mr. Yang from accessing his personal property and equipment, in direct violation of the Liberian Constitution. Requests for police intervention to recover these assets are now pending.
The complaint also implicates Mr. Olesman Toe Brown, an associate of Dukuly. Brown is alleged to have received US$220,000 from Mr. Yang and his staff to facilitate mining licenses, legal filings, and shareholder transfers related to another venture, Southwest Rice Industry Company. No services were rendered, and funds remain unaccounted for. Brown also reportedly seized and leased out Yang’s Foton Truck and Excavator, damaging their engines in the process.
In light of these allegations, Yang Dan’s legal team is calling for a full criminal investigation. They urge the Liberia National Police to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to charge Sekou A. M. Dukuly and Olesman Toe Brown for theft, fraud, and economic sabotage under Liberian law.
“We are confident that justice will prevail,” said Counsellor S. Johnny Momoh, the attorney representing Yang. “We trust the Liberia National Police to conduct a thorough investigation and, if warranted, bring those responsible to court.”
The Liberia National Police has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
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