IPNEWS: The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has formally updated the public on critical developments in the longstanding corruption case involving former senior officials of the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LIGIS) over the alleged misappropriation of funds allocated for the 2022 National Population and Housing Census.
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, proceedings officially resumed before Criminal Court “C” following the selection and induction of a 15-member jury, marking a pivotal restart after the case languished in procedural limbo since 2023. The move signals what many observers view as a long-awaited reset in the pursuit of justice over one of the most sensitive public-finance scandals tied to national development planning.
Currently standing trial are:
• Dominic Paye, former Comptroller of LIGIS
• Lawrence George, former Deputy Director-General for Administration
A third defendant, Wilmot Smith, former Deputy Director-General for Information and Coordination, has been formally severed from the case after the court confirmed he remains outside Liberia’s jurisdiction. He is expected to face separate trial proceedings upon his return, while the current matter proceeds as a full jury trial against the remaining defendants.
The charges center on allegations that census funds were unlawfully diverted in violation of established financial procedures. Prosecutors have detailed a series of financial irregularities, including questionable procurement practices and deliberate misuse of allocated resources.
Among the most striking allegations:
• The purchase of a second-hand generator at an inflated price rather than a new generator as originally approved in the census project budget;
• The alleged use of front companies to channel public funds for private benefit;
• Payments allegedly made for a census workshop that never took place, with individuals receiving compensation for services never rendered.
These acts, according to investigators, formed part of a systematic effort to siphon census funds away from their intended purpose.
While early projections had suggested potential losses reaching as high as US$1.7 million, verified records now before the court have narrowed the legally prosecutable amount to US$128,198.64. Although significantly lower than the initial estimates, the figure still represents a serious breach of the public trust and financial integrity.
Beyond the financial damage, the alleged misconduct had real-world consequences. Disruptions to the census process led to unpaid enumerators, operational breakdowns in field coordination, and rising frustration among participants—conditions that ultimately undermined public confidence in a national exercise vital to data-driven planning, service delivery, and international development cooperation.
In a statement accompanying the court update, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and transparency, emphasizing that the resumption of the case reflects its resolve to see justice served, regardless of how long the process takes or who is involved.
The Commission assured the public that it will continue to pursue the matter to its lawful conclusion, reinforcing its broader mandate to combat corruption across public institutions and protect national resources from abuse.
As the jury trial now unfolds, attention will remain fixed on Criminal Court “C,” where the proceedings promise not just legal accountability for past misconduct but a renewed test of Liberia’s commitment to strengthening public-sector integrity. The outcome could set a significant precedent for future anti-corruption enforcement and restore confidence in the protection of public funds meant to build the nation’s future.
