By By: The People News Online
Monrovia, Liberia – Tensions have escalated in Liberia’s business and political circles following allegations by a Chinese investor, Yang Dan, accusing the Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Mr. Sekou Dukuly, of fraud, criminal deception, and unlawful dispossession of his multi-million-dollar mineral water company. The dispute, which involves alleged misappropriation of funds exceeding USD 3 million, has highlighted concerns over governance, business transparency, and the rule of law in the country.
Speaking to journalists Monday near the company’s premises in the Poor River Community along the Bomi Highway, Mr. Yang recounted a series of alleged abuses of power that left him barred from accessing his own business. “Sekou denied me of my water factory and kicked me out overnight, he’s a mafia,” he said angrily, adding that police officers prevented him from entering the company under instructions he claims were influenced by Mr. Dukuly.
Yang emphasized that the action occurred despite an ongoing legal dispute before the courts. “Mr. Dukuly has criminally taken over my company and continues to use police officers to prevent me from entering my own business,” he lamented. “I invested more than US$2.1 million into this company.
The Disputed Investment Site at the time of construction
I own the majority shares, while the NPA holds only a minor portion.”
The allegations extend beyond corporate squabbles. Yang claims that Dukuly orchestrated a deliberate scheme to misappropriate his investments through intimidation and abuse of his official capacity. He further accused the NPA boss of leveraging his position to suppress justice, effectively sidelining Yang from the business he helped build.
Documents reportedly filed with Liberian authorities indicate that Sekou Dukuly is under police investigation for allegedly defrauding his Chinese partner through a series of failed business ventures and misappropriated funds totaling over USD 3 million. Efforts to confirm the status of the investigation with police spokesperson Cecelia Clark yielded no response.
Attempts to reach Mr. Dukuly for comment have also failed. He did not respond to press inquiries sent to him as of press time, leaving the allegations unchallenged publicly and heightening suspicions of impropriety.
Allegations of Fraud and Mismanagement
Yang alleges that Dukuly solicited millions of dollars to fund joint ventures, including the mineral water bottling plant and a mining project, neither of which were reportedly completed. “I contributed US$2.55 million toward the bottling plant and an additional US$1 million for mining licenses that were allegedly never delivered,” Yang explained.
The investor claims that significant portions of his investment were diverted for Dukuly’s personal use, including luxury items such as Rolex watches, vehicle parts, and property renovations. These purchases, he insists, were wrongfully charged to the company account, undermining the financial health of the enterprise.
Further complicating the matter, Yang alleges that Dukuly’s associates unlawfully seized company assets, including heavy-duty equipment such as a truck and an excavator, further restricting his ability to operate the business independently.
Physical Intimidation and Escalating Tensions
The dispute has reportedly spilled into physical violence. In May 2025, Yang was allegedly assaulted in Monrovia, an attack his legal team believes is directly linked to the ongoing business disagreement.
While no arrests was been publicly confirmed, the incident has raised concerns about investor safety and the protection of foreign business interests in Liberia.
Analysts say the allegations against Dukuly, if proven true, could have broader implications for the country’s investment climate. a Liberia business Cyrus Solo expressed through a social media comment consultant, noted, “Incidents like this create fear among investors. The perception that public officials can misuse their power to seize private assets discourages both local and foreign investments.”
Critics have also warned that such high-profile disputes could erode public confidence in the NPA and other regulatory institutions. “If allegations of fraud, intimidation, and mismanagement go unchecked, it risks entrenching corruption and weakening Liberia’s governance framework,” Solo added.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, legal experts emphasize that the presumption of innocence remains paramount. Lawyer and business advocate Miriam Johnson commented, “While the claims are alarming, it’s crucial that the judicial system investigates impartially and ensures that all parties have due process.”
Meanwhile, Yang has vowed to continue his legal battle to reclaim control over his company. He insists that he will not be intimidated. “I will pursue justice until my company is returned and those responsible are held accountable,” he stated firmly hoping on his legal representative
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has yet to issue a statement on the matter, and the NPA has remained largely silent beyond the allegations. This lack of official response has fueled public speculation and calls for transparency.
Observers say the situation underscores the delicate balance Liberia faces between encouraging foreign investment and ensuring robust oversight of public officials. Failure to resolve high-profile cases like this could tarnish the country’s image as a safe destination for international investors.
As the legal proceedings continue, the broader business community watches closely, concerned that the outcome could set a precedent for investor protection—or investor vulnerability—in Liberia. The case also highlights the challenges of enforcing contracts and property rights in contexts where official power may be wielded to influence outcomes.
For now, Yang Dan remains barred from the company premises, while the NPA managing director maintain silence. The unfolding dispute is likely to remain in the public eye, with potential ramifications not only for the parties involved but for Liberia’s broader economic and governance landscape.
