A high-stakes mining dispute in Bomi County has taken a controversial turn, with a British investor alleging that Liberia’s justice system may have been compromised by conflicts of interest at the highest levels.
Hans Armstrong, who claims ownership of mining equipment valued at US$2.5 million, is calling for an independent prosecutor to take over the case. His demand follows allegations that Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh and indicted Bomi County Administrative Officer Alphonso M. Sherman share ties within the Masonic order—raising concerns, he says, about the fairness of the prosecution process.
The dispute centers on equipment Armstrong legally acquired from Euro Logging Company at the former Itegerm mining site in Sackie Township. Multiple court rulings, including a final judgment by Criminal Court “C” in Montserrado County in April 2022, affirmed his ownership after the case was moved from Bomi due to fears of local bias. A subsequent legal challenge by residents was dismissed in June 2023, and the 11th Judicial Circuit Court reaffirmed Armstrong’s ownership again in November 2025.
Despite these rulings, Armstrong alleges that Sherman authorized the scrapping and sale of the machinery for just US$66,500—far below its estimated value. Scrap dealer Fatu Kanneh, accused of purchasing the equipment, has also been charged in absentia.
Following a formal complaint filed in October 2025, police in Bomi County launched an investigation that led to Sherman’s arrest under a Tubmanburg City Court warrant. However, Armstrong now claims that the case has stalled due to interference from the Justice Ministry, which he alleges is influenced by undisclosed affiliations.
He further pointed to a November 2025 communication from Minister Tweh that accused him of harassing local officials, as well as a subsequent meeting at the Ministry of Justice where, according to Armstrong, he was encouraged to settle the matter. He maintains that such actions undermine confidence in the legal process, especially given that the Ministry had been representing him as the complainant.
Armstrong insists that Sherman acted in full awareness of existing court rulings confirming his ownership and argues that the situation reflects deeper institutional concerns. He is urging the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate and ensure transparency.
As of now, the Ministry of Justice has not responded to the allegations, and Minister Tweh has not issued a public statement. Sherman and his legal representatives have also remained silent, while the Grand Lodge of Liberia has not addressed claims regarding alleged affiliations.
Under Liberian law, the Ministry of Justice oversees prosecutions, and any claims of conflict of interest involving senior officials are typically referred to oversight bodies, including the Anti-Corruption Commission or the Supreme Court’s ethics mechanisms.
Armstrong says he will continue pursuing both criminal and civil remedies to recover the value of the equipment.
All allegations regarding Masonic ties and interference remain unverified, and those named have not responded at the time of reporting. Under the law, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
