By By Reporter Domingo Dargbeh;
Acting Immigration Commissioner General Elijah F. Rufus has strongly denied any connection to the alleged murder of Mayoungor Keleko, a 45-year-old woman found dead in Duwoigomai Town, Voinjama District, Lofa County.
The tension surrounding Keleko’s death escalated after accusations linked Acting LIS Commissioner Rufus to the crime, primarily due to a shared surname with Yakpawolo Moisemai, a 19-year-old suspect arrested by police during their investigation.
However, the situation worsened when Moisemai reportedly committed suicide in police custody by hanging himself. His death led to public outrage, resulting in the burning of the local magistrate court and police station.
Speaking to the press, Acting LIS Commissioner Rufus categorically denied any involvement and explained that the accusations are baseless.
“I don’t know this guy at all. Yes, I’m a Moisemai, but I left Lofa in 1992. Moisemai is a large town in Lofa, and many families share that surname,” Rufus said. “Yakpawolo, Flomo, Moisemai—these are common Lofa names. How does that link me to this killing?”
He further added, “I left Lofa in the 1990s. How would I know a 19-year-old? Even people in their 30s from Moisemai may not know me.”
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the allegations against Acting Commissioner Rufus were fueled by his predecessor, suspended LIS Commissioner-General Stephen H. J. Zargo.
Sources allege that Zargo might have orchestrated a smear campaign against Rufus, using the media to link him to the death of Keleko and suspect Moisemai, simply because they share the same surname. This campaign is reportedly aimed at damaging Rufus’s reputation and regaining the trust of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
President Boakai is said to be favoring Acting Commissioner Rufus for the permanent position of LIS Commissioner-General. This has reportedly caused discontent among Zargo’s allies, as many immigration officers, including deputy commissioners, have expressed support for Rufus, citing his hardworking nature and leadership skills.
In November 2024, President Boakai suspended Stephen H. J. Zargo for allegedly mishandling official duties. Reports indicate that the president has since lost confidence in Zargo, further bolstering Rufus’s chances of securing the role permanently.
Observers are now closely watching how the situation unfolds, as Rufus continues to garner support from immigration officers while defending his reputation against what he describes as baseless allegations.
