By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Monrovia, Liberia – After months of legal turmoil, Neyemen A. Darwokalar has emerged victorious in court, with all charges against him dismissed. However, his fight is far from over. The man who was accused, allegedly tortured, and unlawfully detained under orders from Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan II is now preparing to sue for defamation, citing irreparable damage to his reputation.
From Accused to Plaintiff: Darwokalar’s Ordeal
Facebook Post from Minister Augustine Ngafuan
On January 10, 2025, Darwokalar was accused of impersonating an official through a fake Facebook account using the Finance Ministry’s name, “Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan.” What followed was a harrowing ordeal.
According to him, he was abducted at ELWA Junction by men allegedly acting on Ngafuan’s orders. Among them were Samuel Johnson, Victor S. Blama, and Blama Fayiah Taylor. He was taken to the 11th floor of the Ministry of Finance, where he was held hostage for nearly eight hours, enduring psychological and physical abuse.
While in custody, he alleges that Deputy Minister for Administration Bill McGill Jones forced him to unlock his phone under duress. His personal data was accessed, recorded, and withheld for hours. Eventually, he was transferred to the Liberia National Police (LNP), where he was detained for five days without bail as Minister Ngafuan’s team failed to appear in court to justify his arrest.
Court Dismisses Case, Restores Freedom
After weeks of delays and legal maneuvers, Darwokalar’s case was finally heard in the Monrovia City Court on March 21, 2025. The prosecution failed to proceed, and the judge dismissed the case without prejudice, restoring his rights and liberty. A Clerk’s Certificate issued on March 27, 2025, formally confirmed his exoneration.
Despite the ruling, the damage had already been done. Darwokalar’s reputation had been dragged through the mud, his integrity questioned, and his freedom stolen—all based on what he insists were baseless accusations fueled by political motives.
Darwokalar: ‘I Will Not Rest Until Justice Is Served’
With his name legally cleared, Darwokalar has turned his attention to the next phase: holding those responsible accountable. He has announced plans to file a lawsuit against Minister Ngafuan, seeking damages for defamation, unlawful detention, and the psychological trauma he endured.
“For over two months, I was treated like a criminal, tortured, and detained under false charges,” Darwokalar stated. “The court has cleared me, but my reputation remains stained. I will not rest until those responsible for this injustice are held accountable.”
Speaking to The People Newspaper via telephone, Darwokalar noted that he could only be persuaded not to proceed with the lawsuit if the minister issues a public apology, clarifying that Neyemen was wrongfully accused.
The biggest question now remains: Will Minister Ngafuan step forward and publicly apologize for the wrongful accusations, or will he wait to face the lawsuit?
