The CDC-Council of Patriots (CDC-COP) has petitioned the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) and the Ministry of Justice to investigate the alarming rate of mysterious deaths in Liberia. The group demands the immediate recusal and investigation of Mr. Elijah Rufus, Commissioner General of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), for his alleged role in two mysterious deaths.
Liberia is facing a human rights crisis, with nearly 638 cases of mysterious deaths, ritualistic killings, and unchecked police brutality going unpunished in the last 16 months. These incidents reflect a growing pattern of impunity that threatens the rule of law and the safety of every Liberian citizen. The CDC-COP highlighted the cases of Mayoungor Keleko and Yakpawolo Moisemai. Keleko’s mutilated body was found on December 31, 2024, in Duwoigomai Town, Voinjama District, Lofa County, with deep lacerations and a broken neck. A 15-member jury confirmed foul play, and community elders suspected a ritualistic killing. Moisemai, the primary suspect in Keleko’s murder, died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody.
CDC-COP alleges that Mr. Rufus used his influence to orchestrate Moisemai’s death and cover up his own involvement. They claim that Mr. Rufus attempted to bribe the victim’s family with $20,000 USD and intervened unlawfully in the case. The group asserts that Mr. Rufus is the key beneficiary and principal mastermind behind both deaths. The CDC-COP demands that Commissioner Rufus recuse himself from his position as Commissioner General of the Liberia Immigration Service and that an independent investigation be conducted into his potential involvement in the deaths of Keleko and Moisemai. They also call for the immediate arrest of the six LNP officers who were on duty the night Moisemai was murdered.