By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Papay Kezelee, the Alleged Criminal in an attempt to clarify why his image was captured in one of the transactions.
Paynesville, Liberia — In a stunning twist of events, a tricky attempt to shift blame has backfired spectacularly on alleged scammer Papay Kezelee, famously known as “Messi,” who now faces serious criminal charges after trying and failing to pin his crimes on his own little brother.
For nearly two years, Messi, a resident of Zorzor, allegedly ran a scam operation, tricking clients and followers of popular Liberian influencer Josephine Kolubah, creator of the “Coffee & JoJo” brand.
Using fake Facebook accounts tied to Kolubah’s identity and rehabilitation center, he reportedly siphoned off large sums of money from unsuspecting supporters worldwide.
Facing mounting pressure after his photo was circulated publicly as a wanted scammer, Messi devised a desperate plan: he brought his younger brother to Monrovia, falsely presenting him as the mastermind behind the fraud. However, when interrogated, the brother’s weak cover story fell apart under scrutiny. Investigators soon demanded an explanation for why Messi’s own phone number had repeatedly appeared in communications with defrauded victims.
Under pressure, Messi’s tale unraveled. Contradictory statements and overwhelming evidence, including witness testimonies, documents, and audio recordings, linked him directly to the crimes.
The Paynesville City Magisterial Court, under the authority of Stipendiary Magistrate William G. Saygah, has since issued a formal writ of arrest against Emmanuel Kolubah and Morris K. Sumo (Messi’s brother and alleged accomplice) on charges of Impersonation, Forgery, Theft of Property, and Criminal Conspiracy, in violation of sections 12.35, 15.70, 15.51, and 10.4 of Liberia’s New Penal Code.
According to court filings, the scam targeted Kolubah’s followers throughout 2023, with many supporters unknowingly sending money to accounts controlled by the imposters. After extensive investigation by Lonestar Cell and the Liberia National Police, and following a citizen’s complaint by Kolubah, the noose tightened around Messi and his team.
With the case now moving forward, residents across Liberia are watching closely as the influencer’s brand seeks justice and the alleged perpetrators face the full force of the law.
