British investor Hans Armstrong is preparing to sue Liberia’s Ministry of Justice for US$10 million, alleging harassment and misconduct after authorities in Bomi County reportedly dismantled and sold his mining equipment worth about US$2.5 million.
His legal team argues that the case arises from what they describe as a flawed and unjustified investigation conducted by the Ministry, allegedly aimed at protecting Bomi County Superintendent Miatta Dorley and Administrative Officer Alphonso Sherman from legal consequences. Sherman is said to have professional ties to Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh.
Allegations of Misconduct
According to a draft complaint, senior legal officials—including Assistant Minister for Litigation Cllr. Jerry D.K. Garlawolu and Bomi County Attorney Cllr. Pato Jarba—are accused of undermining Armstrong’s ownership rights.
The dispute intensified after a meeting at the Ministry of Justice on November 7, 2025. Armstrong’s lawyers claim that during the meeting, Superintendent Dorley asserted that the equipment belonged to the government and had been taken under her authority. They argue that Garlawolu failed to challenge this claim, effectively endorsing it, despite previously representing Armstrong in court.
The complaint also alleges that Jarba denied knowledge of Sherman’s earlier arrest, even though he had reportedly communicated with Armstrong multiple times and visited his residence to discuss acquiring a share of the equipment. Armstrong’s legal team believes Jarba had the capacity to prevent the destruction and sale of the machinery.
They further claim that the Ministry’s actions caused reputational damage, disrupted Armstrong’s business operations, and led to significant distress, forming the basis for the US$10 million claim.
Conflicting Legal Decisions
Court documents indicate that on August 12, 2022, Criminal Court ‘C’ ruled in Armstrong’s favor, confirming his ownership of the equipment in Sackie Township, valued at US$2.5 million. A later attempt by local residents to overturn this decision was rejected in June 2023.
Despite these rulings, the machinery was eventually dismantled. On April 7, 2025, the court clerk instructed Superintendent Dorley to lift a restriction preventing Armstrong from removing the equipment.
Shortly afterward, a letter signed by Sherman claimed the restriction had originated from another court. However, earlier communications from Sherman appear to contradict this statement, including directives to halt the scrapping of the equipment and warnings to a judge about ongoing dismantling activities.
Arrest and Subsequent Developments
In May 2025, Sherman allegedly invited scrap dealers to bid on the equipment. He was later charged by local police and referred to court.
Shortly after, Superintendent Dorley filed a complaint accusing Armstrong of harassing local residents. The Justice Minister then summoned Armstrong to attend meetings aimed at resolving the dispute. Follow-up correspondence warned him to take the matter seriously to avoid legal escalation, which his lawyers describe as intimidating.
Ownership Disputes and Intentions
Armstrong’s legal team claims Sherman presented himself as the owner of the equipment in communications with scrap companies, despite lacking any legal documentation. They also allege that Sherman offered to help address the situation while requesting a share of the assets.
Armstrong states that he provided Sherman with legal documents confirming his ownership and even gave him a small payment as a gesture of appreciation during their interactions.
Lack of Official Response
Armstrong’s lawyers say they submitted all relevant court documents to the Ministry before the meetings. However, the Ministry of Justice has not responded to requests for comment, and other key officials involved have not been reachable.
If the lawsuit proceeds, it could become one of the largest claims filed by a foreign investor against Liberia in recent years, raising broader concerns about legal protections, enforcement of court decisions, and investor confidence in the country’s mining sector.
