Monrovia – The Comptroller of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Hon. Jallah Jacobs, has strongly condemned what he describes as “malicious and extortionist tactics” by Punch FM after an incident he says arose from a community engagement with members of the Car Washers Union of 72nd Boulevard Road.
According to Comptroller Jacobs, he had honored an invitation from the union to share his experiences and provide guidance on how its members could transform their lives and create a path toward sustainability. Known for his involvement in humanitarian initiatives, Jacobs said he saw the gathering as an opportunity to encourage transparency and accountability among the leadership of the group, particularly in ensuring that any recommendations or requests for support would be responsibly managed.
During his address, Jacobs disclosed that he cautioned the young men against indulging in criminal behavior, including rape, murder, and drug-related activities. He emphasized that many Liberians are working tirelessly to support disadvantaged communities, but that genuine assistance must go hand in hand with personal responsibility. “I told them clearly that they must avoid illegal activities. If I find anyone committing such acts, I will not hesitate to have them arrested myself,” Jacobs said.
The LIS official, however, expressed disappointment that his remarks were, according to him, misrepresented by Punch FM. He alleged that the radio station extracted a nine-second clip from the larger video of his speech, threatening to release it unless he paid them money. Jacobs further claimed that Punch FM went live on their Facebook page to amplify the issue but later deleted the video in what he described as a calculated attempt to blackmail him.
“This is not just an attack on me as an individual, but an attack on the values we are trying to instill in our young people and our community at large. Punch FM’s actions are disgraceful, extortionist, and harmful to our society,” Jacobs stated firmly.
He maintained that while he refuses to be intimidated, he remains deeply concerned about the broader consequences of such alleged media blackmail. According to him, manipulation of information for financial gain undermines trust and weakens the collective fight against crime and exploitation in the country.
Jacobs called on the public to remain vigilant and to stand in solidarity against all forms of exploitation, whether by individuals or institutions. He stressed that Liberia needs constructive voices and partners who will uplift struggling communities, not those who weaponize media platforms to damage reputations or extract money.
“Let us work together to build a society that thrives on accountability, transparency, and mutual support. I am grateful for those who continue to stand with me and others who dedicate themselves to the betterment of our people,” he said.
As of press time, Punch FM has not issued any official response to the Comptroller’s allegations. The situation has sparked conversations about media ethics, accountability, and the challenges public officials face in navigating community engagement while under public scrutiny.
The controversy underscores broader concerns about the role of media institutions in Liberia—whether as watchdogs for transparency or, as alleged in this case, platforms for coercion. For many observers, the incident raises critical questions about how to safeguard both public trust and the integrity of institutions at a time when Liberia continues to grapple with issues of corruption, crime, and community empowerment.
