… Amid Allegations Of Religious Discrimination, Policy Breaches
Sapelle International Bank (SIB) is facing intense scrutiny after the Ministry of Labour Court ruled that the bank wrongfully dismissed its former Risk Manager, Madam Miatta Sonii Jarry. The court cited acts of malice, prejudice, and religious discrimination in its judgment.
In a recent default judgment, the court determined that Madam Jarry’s termination in December 2024 was not only procedurally improper but also fueled by retaliatory motives linked to her principled stance on internal violations.
Court documents revealed that Madam Jarry was dismissed after she raised red flags over a series of unauthorized loans issued by the bank’s senior executives. She reportedly refused to endorse these transactions, which were in clear breach of SIB’s internal control protocols. Instead of being commended for upholding professional standards, she was met with intimidation, suspension without cause, and the eventual termination of her employment.
Adding to the controversy, the court found that Madam Jarry was subjected to religious discrimination. A practicing Seventh-day Adventist, she had previously received approval to observe the Sabbath. However, the ruling found that senior management later used her religious observance as grounds for disciplinary actions, directly violating the prior agreement.
The court’s findings also documented that Madam Jarry was repeatedly threatened, denied her statutory annual leave, and marginalized in internal decisions. The presiding judge described her as an “Integrity Icon” and praised her resistance to pressure and unethical practices in the workplace. Jarry previously served at the Central Bank of Liberia, and her reputation for ethical fortitude was highlighted in court, further discrediting SIB’s rationale for her dismissal.
Meanwhile, Sapelle International Bank is facing additional allegations unrelated to the court ruling. Multiple sources within government ministries and agencies have reported that SIB has been engaging in the unauthorized sale of official banking slips to customers.
According to findings, the bank has been selling Liberian-dollar slips for LRD 600 and U.S. dollar slips for USD 5—an act viewed as exploitative and in violation of banking standards. This practice reportedly affects public institutions that rely on official receipts for daily transactions, fueling concern over transparency and accountability within the banking system.
As of now, the Central Bank of Liberia and the Liberia Bankers Association have yet to issue official statements regarding the bank slip allegations, but financial analysts say the developments warrant a formal investigation into SIB’s operations.
The Labour Court’s decision and the emerging revelations have sparked broader questions about regulatory oversight in the banking sector, particularly regarding employee rights, financial ethics, and institutional accountability. Neither SIB nor its legal team have commented publicly on the court ruling or the bank slip controversy.
The case of Madam Miatta Sonii Jarry is expected to serve as a test case for employee protection laws and religious tolerance in corporate Liberia.