By Amos Harris
The Ministry of Justice has strongly refuted allegations suggesting that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, interfered with ongoing legal proceedings involving businessman Hans Armstrong and heavy-duty mining equipment located in Sackie Town, Senjeh District, Bomi County. In an official statement issued Tuesday, the Ministry described the accusations as false, misleading, and entirely unsupported by facts. Officials dismissed claims that the Attorney General stalled the administration of justice, shielded accused individuals, or obstructed the prosecution of the matter for personal, political, or improper motives.
According to the Ministry, official court records demonstrate that Mr. Armstrong has already secured favorable rulings from Liberian courts, which explicitly recognized his ownership interest in the disputed mining equipment. Ministry officials argued that these judicial milestones prove the justice system has remained fully accessible to Armstrong, directly contradicting public assertions that he has been denied justice.
The Ministry explained that its direct involvement in the matter was guided by a formal directive issued on February 3, 2026, by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The presidential directive instructed the Ministry to thoroughly investigate and prosecute allegations regarding the unlawful destruction of private property in Bomi County. Following this mandate, the Ministry transferred the case for immediate prosecutorial action, leading to the appointment of a Special Prosecution Team. Led by Atty. John F. Dexter Puiyoye and Cllr. Isaac B. Williams, the team was designated by the County Attorney of Montserrado County to oversee all criminal aspects of the case.
The special team was mandated to independently investigate the matter, review evidence, prepare indictments where necessary, and coordinate directly with law enforcement and judicial authorities. The Ministry emphasized that the prosecutors were strictly instructed to operate impartially and in absolute accordance with Liberian law.
During their inquiry, the prosecution team conducted extensive interviews, visited relevant field locations, reviewed past court documents, and gathered statements from individuals connected to the case. The resulting investigative report recognized Armstrong as the rightful owner of the equipment and noted that there had indeed been interference with his prior efforts to regain possession of the property. The Ministry argued that these findings prove Armstrong’s complaint was never suppressed; rather, the matter received heightened state attention and a thorough investigation under a presidential mandate, culminating in recommendations for further legal and judicial action.
Officials also disclosed that the Ministry of Justice had already initiated an investigation into Armstrong’s complaint before the President issued his February directive. However, while that initial internal investigation was underway, Armstrong elevated the matter to the Office of the President, which prompted the subsequent presidential intervention and the formal, structured prosecutorial review.
The Ministry firmly rejected allegations that the Attorney General instructed prosecutors to protect suspects, block indictments, or interfere with independent court proceedings. It maintained that no such directives were ever issued, characterizing accusations to the contrary as malicious and entirely false.
Expressing deep concern over what it called unsubstantiated public accusations, the Ministry warned against deliberate attempts to undermine public confidence in Liberia’s justice system. While acknowledging the public’s right to monitor and criticize government institutions, the Ministry stressed that such criticism must be grounded in facts rather than misinformation.
Furthermore, the Ministry reminded the public that individuals who believe court orders have been violated have clear legal avenues available, including seeking enforcement directly through the judiciary. It noted that because Armstrong is fully represented by legal counsel, he possesses unrestricted access to all remedies provided under Liberian law.
Additionally, the Ministry reiterated that criminal prosecutions are strictly driven by credible evidence and established legal standards, rather than by public pressure or social media campaigns. Prosecutors, the statement noted, are legally obligated to pursue cases supported by solid evidence while refraining from arbitrary actions that lack legal justification.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the Ministry of Justice pledged to continue protecting lawful investments, respecting judicial independence, and ensuring strict accountability for anyone found in violation of the law. The Ministry urged the public to disregard the unfounded allegations against Attorney General Tweh and encouraged all aggrieved parties to pursue their grievances through established legal channels, rather than through public campaigns that risk prejudicing ongoing proceedings.