By By: Staff Writer
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission has resumed the long-delayed prosecution of former officials of the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services over allegations of misusing funds allocated for the 2022 National Population and Housing Census.
The case returned to Criminal Court “C” on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, after a 15-member jury was selected and sworn in. The development marks the first major movement in the matter since proceedings stalled in 2023.
The ongoing trial involves two defendants: Dominic Paye, former comptroller of LIGIS, and Lawrence George, former deputy director-general for administration. A third accused, former deputy director-general for information and coordination Wilmot Smith, has been separated from the case after the court confirmed he is currently outside Liberia and will be tried at a later date.
Prosecutors allege that census funds were diverted through irregular financial practices, including the procurement of a second-hand generator at an inflated cost instead of the new generator approved in the project budget. The state also cites the alleged use of front companies to move public funds for private benefit.
Another point raised in the ongoing proceedings involves payments issued for a census workshop that investigators say never took place, with individuals reportedly compensated for activities that were not performed.
Although earlier assessments suggested losses could reach US$1.7 million, documents submitted to the court indicate that the amount now at issue is US$128,198.64.
According to investigators, the alleged financial missteps contributed to significant disruptions during the 2022 census, including protests by unpaid enumerators and delays that undermined confidence in the national exercise.
The LACC maintains that it remains committed to pursuing the case to its legal conclusion as part of its broader efforts to enforce accountability in the management of public resources.
